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.
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.).]
