Com"pe*tent (?; 94), a. [F. comp'etent, p. pr. of comp'eter to be in the competency of, LL. competere to strive after together, to agree with; hence, to be fit. See Compete.]

1.

Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit.

"A competent knowledge of the world." Arrerbury. "Competent age." Grafton. "Competent statesmen." Palfrey. /"A competent witness." Bouvier.

2.

Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; -- followed by to.

[Rare, except in legal usage.]

That is the privillege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being. Locke.

Syn. -- See Qualified.

 

© Webster 1913.