Com"pe*tent (k&obreve;m"p&esl;*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.
Hear it pronounced