Ca"pa*ble (?), a. [F. capable, LL. capabilis capacious, capable, fr. L. caper to take, contain. See Heave.]
1.
Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault.
Concious of jou and capable of pain.
Prior.
2.
Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations.
More capable to discourse of battles than to give them.
Motley.
3.
Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
4.
Capacious; large; comprehensive.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Capable is usually followed by of, sometimes by an infinitive.
Syn. -- Able; competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective; skillful.
© Webster 1913.