2 entries 1 source
Able
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 2
Part of speech: verb (v.)
1. To make able; to enable; to strengthen. Chaucer.
2. To vouch for. "I 'll able them." Shak.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 2
Part of speech: adjective (a.)
1. Fit; adapted; suitable. [Obs.] A many man, to ben an abbot able. Chaucer.
2. Having sufficient power, strength, force, skill, means, or resources of any kind to accomplish the object; possessed of qualifications rendering competent for some end; competent; qualified; capable; as, an able workman, soldier, seaman, a man able to work; a mind able to reason; a person able to be generous; able to endure pain; able to play on a piano.
3. Specially: Having intellectual qualifications, or strong mental powers; showing ability or skill; talented; clever; powerful; as, the ablest man in the senate; an able speech. No man wrote abler state papers. Macaulay.
4. Legally qualified; possessed of legal competence; as, able to inherit or devise property.
Synonyms: Competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective; capable; skillful; clever; vigorous; powerful.