Com″pe‐tent (kŏm″pē̍‐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.
That is the privilege of the infinite Author of things,... but is not competent to any finite being.
Locke.
Syn. — See Qualified.