In*com"pe*tence (?), In*com"pe*tency (?), n. [Cf. F. incomp'etence.]

1.

The quality or state of being incompetent; want of physical, intellectual, or moral ability; insufficiency; inadequacy; as, the incompetency of a child hard labor, or of an idiot for intellectual efforts.

"Some inherent incompetency."

Gladstone.

2. Law

Want of competency or legal fitness; incapacity; disqualification, as of a person to be heard as a witness, or to act as a juror, or of a judge to try a cause.

Syn. -- Inability; insufficiency; inadequacy; disqualification; incapability; unfitness.

 

© Webster 1913.

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