In*ca"pa*ble (?), a. [Pref. in-
not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L. incapabilis
incomprehensible.]
1. Wanting in ability or qualification for
the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold;
deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not
capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of
liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of
perseverance, of reform, etc.
2. Not capable of being brought to do or
perform, because morally strong or well disposed; -- used with
reference to some evil; as, incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or
falsehood.
3. Not in a state to receive; not receptive;
not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or
pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.
4. (Law) Unqualified or disqualified,
in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is
incapable of holding the office of president of the United
States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made
incapable of holding an office of profit or honor under the
government.
5. (Mil.) As a term of disgrace,
sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered
and rendered incapable of serving his country.
&fist; Incapable is often used elliptically.
Is not your father grown incapable of
reasonable affairs?
Shak.
Syn. -- Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient;
inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See Incompetent.
In*ca"pa*ble, n. One who is
morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a
simpleton.
