Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1874-1891, 1962
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CAP, v.2 To confer a degree at a Scottish University by touching the head of the graduand with a cap reserved for the purpose. Gen.Sc. [kɑp]Sc. 1891 J. S. Blackie Capped and Doctored and A' i. in Sc. Students' Song Book:
When I see my ain name in the papers, Capped and doctored and a'.Sc. 1962 Abd. Univ. Review (Aut.) 313:
After the Vice-Chancellor has touched the head of the graduand with the capping board and completed the formula of graduation.Abd. 1874 N. Maclean Life at a North Univ. 295:
The last and most important of all the ceremonies at the college-the capping for A.M.
Hence capping, the ceremony of conferring a University degree; capping day, graduation day.
[O.Sc. has only the noun cap, a cap for the head, c.1470–1480 (D.O.S.T.).]
