Ivory tower

[Michael Quinion]

> I am looking for the etymology for "ivory tower" in reference to
> higher education. Any help you could provide would be greatly
> appreciated.

It's not especially clear where it comes from. I've had a shot at
explaining it at http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-ivo1.htm .

--
Michael Quinion
Editor, World Wide Words
E-mail: <TheEditor at worldwidewords.org>
Web: <http://www.worldwidewords.org/>