Qual"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Qualities (#). [F. qualité, L. qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which. See Which.] 1. The condition of being of such and such a sort as distinguished from others; nature or character relatively considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank.

We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with many of the city not of the meanest quality.

2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation; assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.

I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.

3. That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it; distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute; peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait; as, the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in quality; the great quality of a statesman.

&fist; Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary. Primary are those essential to the existence, and even the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit Secondary are those not essential to such a conception.

4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.

He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and fencing which accompany a good breeding.

5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character. "Persons of quality." Bacon.

I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they will look in their traveling habits.

Syn. -- Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character; sort; rank; disposition; temper.

• (uncountable) Level of excellence
       This school is well-known for having teachers of high quality.
       Quality of life is usually determined by health, education, and income.
  
• (countable) A property or attribute that differentiates a thing or person.
       One of the qualities of pure iron is that it does not rust easily.
       While being impulsive can be great for artists, it is not a desirable quality for engineers.
       Security, stability, and efficiency are good qualities of an operating system.
  
• (thermodynamics) In a two-phase liquid-vapor mixture, the ratio of the mass of vapor present to the total mass of the mixture.
  
• (archaic) High social position.
       A peasant is not allowed to fall in love with a lady of quality.
       Membership of this golf club is limited to those of quality and wealth.
  
• The correspondence between a goal and it's outcome -- between intent and result of action.
  
• Being of good worth, well made, fit for purpose.
       We only sell quality products.
       That was a quality game by Jim Smith.
       A quality system ensures products meet customer requirements.