Com"pe*tent (kŏm"pē*tent; 94),
a. [F. compétent, p. pr. of
compéter 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." Atterbury. "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 privilege of the infinite Author of
things, . . . but is not competent to any finite
being.
Locke.
Syn. -- See Qualified.