Qual"i*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Qualified (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Qualifying (?).] [F. qualifier, LL. qualificare,
fr. L. qualis how constituted, as + -ficare (in comp.)
to make. See Quality, and -Fy.] 1.
To make such as is required; to give added or requisite qualities
to; to fit, as for a place, office, occupation, or character; to
furnish with the knowledge, skill, or other accomplishment necessary
for a purpose; to make capable, as of an employment or privilege; to
supply with legal power or capacity.
He had qualified himself for municipal office by
taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession.
Macaulay.
2. To give individual quality to; to modulate;
to vary; to regulate.
It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound.
Sir T. Browne.
3. To reduce from a general, undefined, or
comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to
limit; to restrict; to restrain; as, to qualify a statement,
claim, or proposition.
4. Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to
assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors.
I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire,
But qualify the fire's extreme rage.
Shak.
5. To soothe; to cure; -- said of
persons. [Obs.]
In short space he has them
qualified.
Spenser.
Syn. -- To fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable;
modify; soften; restrict; restrain; temper.
Qual"i*fy, v. i. 1.
To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or
employment.
2. To obtain legal power or capacity by taking
the oath, or complying with the forms required, on assuming an
office.
