Cŏm'pe-tent, a.

a. [Lat. competens, p. pr. of competere, to strive after together, to agree with, hence, to be fit, suitable. See COMPETE.]

1. Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; fit. “A competent knowledge of the world.” Atterbury. “Competent age.” Grafton. “Competent statesmen.” Palfrey. “A competent witness.” Bouvier.
2. Rightfully belonging; falling within the competency of; incident; having adequate power or right;—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.