Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HUMANITY, n. Also †humanitie. In the Scottish Universities: the formal name for the study of the Latin language and literature, the chair or class of Latin (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Also attrib., as in Humanity Manse, the official residence of a Latin professor.Sc. 1705 Atholl MSS. (29 March):
Seeing . . . your sones have not yet made sufficient proficiency in the Latin . . . it will be most proper for Them to enter this Session of the Colledge to the Humanity Class.Dmb. 1758 Caled. Mercury (10 June):
The Boys gave a very satisfactory Evidence of their Proficiency in Humanity.Sc. 1800 Acts Gen. Assembly 30:
Humanity or Latin, with the Elements of Greek, in the first Humanity and Greek Classes.Sc. 1819 Lockhart Peter's Letters xiii.:
Mr Christison, the Professor of Latin, or, as their style is, of humanity, is a very great reader of all kinds of books.Abd. c.1870 K.E. Trail Reminisc. Old Abd. (1952) 87:
The Humanity Manse, which he rented from the Professor of Latin.Fif. 1895 G. Setoun Sunshine & Haar 327:
Linty has lifted the medal, for Humanity.Abd. 1937 Abd. Univ. Calendar 169:
The Graduation Humanity Class must be attended by all who desire to take the M.A. Degree in Latin.