Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LICENTIATE, v., n.
†I. v. To grant a licence to (e.g. a divinity student to preach). Pa.p. licentiat(e).Edb. 1736 Edb. Guilds and Crafts (B.R.S.) 204:
Such persons should be licentiat to deal in the retaill of ale, beer, fish.
II. n. One who has been licensed, specif. of a divinity student to preach before his appointment to a charge, a probationer. Gen.Sc.Dmf. 1830 W. Bennet Traits Sc. Life I. 189:
This young gentleman was a licentiate of the Scottish Kirk. He had just a few months previously passed the final ordeal of presbytery trial, and been licensed a minister of the gospel.Sc. 1849 M. Oliphant M. Maitland vii.:
My nephew Claud is a divinity student in his last year and … it's my hope to see him a licentiate of the Kirk.Knr. 1905 H. Haliburton Excursions 7:
Benjie had been destined for the Secession ministry, but had fallen some twenty years previously out of the ranks of the probationary licentiates.
