Cŏm'pe-tençe or Cŏm'pe-ten-çy, n.

n. [Lat. competentia.] 1. The state of being competent; fitness; power; ability; adequacy. The loan demonstrates, in regard to instrumental resources, the competency of this kingdom to the assertion of the common cause. Burke. To make them act zealously is not in the competence of law. Burke. 2. Property or means of subsistence sufficient to furnish the necessaries and conveniences of life, without superfluity; sufficiency; such a quantity as is sufficient. Reason’s whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words — health, peace, and competence. Pope. 3. (Law.) (a.) Legal capacity or qualifications; fitness; as, the competence of a witness. (b.) Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take cognizance of a cause; as, the competence of a judge or court to examine and decide. Kent.