Both Uses of
competent
in
The Age of Innocence
- He had probably devoted more time than any one else to the study of this intricate and fascinating question; but study alone could not account for his complete and easy competence.†
Chpt 1 *
- Mrs. Julius Beaufort, on the night of her annual ball, never failed to appear at the Opera; indeed, she always gave her ball on an Opera night in order to emphasise her complete superiority to household cares, and her possession of a staff of servants competent to organise every detail of the entertainment in her absence.†
Chpt 3
Definition:
-
(competent) capable (able to do something in a generally satisfactory manner) -- sometimes specifically to have legal capability