Definition of "humane"

humane

/hjuːˈmeɪn/

adjective
comparative humaner or more humane, superlative humanest or most humane
1. Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.
  Quotations
  The unfortunate thing about Bando, said Arthur, is that it is no longer to be obtained in this unfortunate country. I understand that inferior products, such as Ostreine and Spanish Flies, may still be wheedled out of some of the humaner chemists, up and down the city, in the ten minutes or a quarter of an hour immediately following their midday meal.
  1953, Samuel Beckett, Watt, Olympia Press
2. Pertaining to branches of learning concerned with human affairs or the humanities, especially classical literature or rhetoric.
  Quotations
  many divine precepts to counterpoise our hearts, special antidotes both in scriptures and humane authors, which who so will observe, shall purchase much ease and quietness unto himself.
  1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, partition II, section 3, member 7
3. Obsolete spelling of human
  Quotations
  [N]o attempt is made to call in God to their reſcue, as if he vvere an idle unconcern'd ſpectator of humane affairs, or ſo inconſiderable an ally, as not to be vvorth the care of engaging him on their ſide.
  1660, [Richard Allestree], “Sect[ion] V. Of the Second Advantage, Wealth.”, in The Gentlemans Calling, London: […] T[imothy] Garthwait […], page 83