faculty noun

Categories: faculty psychology; Scottish School.
1604, Cawdrey: (facultie)

licence, power, aptness.

1626, Cockeram:

power, ability.

1685, Phillips:

(lat.) the power or ability of performing any action, as the Animal, Vital, and Natural Faculties in the body. In Common Law it signifieth a priviledge granted to a man by indulgence or dispensation, to do that which by Law he cannot do, It is also used sometimes for a mystery or profession.