from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Qualify \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.
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He had qualified himself for municipal office by
taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession.
--Macaulay.
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2. To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to
regulate.
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It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound. --Sir
T. Browne.
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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.
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4. Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to
reduce the strength of, as liquors.
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I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire,
But qualify the fire's extreme rage. --Shak.
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5. To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. [Obs.]
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In short space he has them qualified. --Spenser.
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Syn: To fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable;
modify; soften; restrict; restrain; temper.
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