Competent \Com"pe*tent\ (k[o^]m"p[-e]*tent; 94), a. [F.
   comp['e]tent, p. pr. of comp['e]ter 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.
      
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   2. Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; -- followed by
      to. [Rare, except in legal usage.]
      
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            That is the privilege of the infinite Author of
            things, . . . but is not competent to any finite
            being.                                --Locke.

   Syn: See {Qualified}.
        
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