{ Com"pe*tence (?), Com"pe*ten*cy (?) }, n. [Cf. F. compétence, from L. competentia agreement.] 1. The state of being competent; fitness; ability; adequacy; power.

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 sufficient for the necessaries and conveniences of life; sufficiency without excess.

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense,
Lie in three words -- health, peace, and competence.
Pope.

Superfluity comes sooner by white hairs, but competency lives longer.
Shak.

3. (Law) (a) Legal capacity or qualifications; fitness; as, the competency of a witness or of a evidence. (b) Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take cognizance of a cause; as, the competence of a judge or court. Kent.

• physical, mental, financial or legal competence to perform some task
  
• (Linguistics) Sub-conscious knowledge of a native language's structure.