In*ca"pa*ble , n. One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
In*ca"pa*ble (?), a.
[Pref. in- not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L.
incapabilis incomprehensible.]
1. Wanting in ability or
qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or
hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.
2. Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; -- used with reference to some evil; as,
incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood.
3. Not in
a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.
4. (Law) Unqualified or
disqualified, in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made incapable of holding an
office of profit or honor under the government.
5. (Mil.) As a term of disgrace, sometimes
annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable
of serving his country.
&fist; Incapable is often used elliptically.
Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs?
Shak.
Syn. -- Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient;
disqualified. See Incompetent.
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