Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SENATUS, n. Also †senawtus, and officially in the full form Senatus Academicus. In a Sc. University: the body consisting of the Principal, Professors and, more recently, a number of Readers and Lecturers, which superintends and regulates the teaching and discipline of the University. [sən′etəs]Sc. 1733 Univ. Edb. Charters (Morgan 1937) 225:
The Senatus Academicus, taking into consideration the way and manner of conferring Degrees in Philosophy in this University.Edb. 1819 Edb. Ev. Courant (23 Jan.) 3:
Mr Moncrief moved the thanks of the Society to the Senatus Academicus.Ayr. 1823 Galt Gathering of West 59:
No cost was spared by the tasteful members of the Senatus Academicus to demonstrate the genuine and uncorrupted orthodox humility of the University of Glasgow.Abd. 1865 G. MacDonald Alec Forbes lxvii.:
The senawtus'll be sayin' that I got my heid clured wi' fa'in' agen the curbstane.Ayr. 1901 G. Douglas Green Shutters xxiv.:
He was thinking of how the Senatus would deal with young Gourlay.Sc. 1946 R. G. Cant Univ. St Andrews 109:
At St Andrews, with its separate collegiate organisation, the functions of the Senatus were less extensive than in the other Scottish universities, yet in the distinctive sphere of the university as such it reigned supreme.Sc. 1967 Edb. Univ. Calendar xxi.:
The Senatus regulates the teaching and discipline of the University, subject to the provisions of the Universities Acts of 1858 and 1889, and has the additional power to promote research under the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966.