Ca"pa*ble (?), a. [F.
capable, LL. capabilis capacious, capable, fr. L.
caper to take, contain. See Heave.]
1. Possessing ability, qualification, or
susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength;
as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle
capable of resisting a long assault.
Concious of joy and capable of pain.
Prior.
2. Possessing adequate power; qualified;
able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a
capable judge; a mind capable of nice
investigations.
More capable to discourse of battles than
to give them.
Motley.
3. Possessing legal power or capacity;
as, a man capable of making a contract, or a
will.
4. Capacious; large; comprehensive.
[Obs.] Shak.
&fist; Capable is usually followed by of,
sometimes by an infinitive.
Syn. -- Able; competent; qualified; fitted; efficient;
effective; skillful.
