Apt"i*tude (?), n. [F. aptitude, LL.
aptitudo, fr. L. aptus. See Apt, and cf.
Attitude.] 1. A natural or acquired disposition
or capacity for a particular purpose, or tendency to a particular action or
effect; as, oil has an aptitude to burn.
He seems to have had a peculiar aptitude for the
management of irregular troops.
Macaulay.
2. A general fitness or suitableness;
adaptation.
That sociable and helpful aptitude which God
implanted between man and woman.
Milton.
3. Readiness in learning; docility;
aptness.
He was a boy of remarkable aptitude.
Macaulay.