\Com"pe*tence\, Competency \Com"pe*ten*cy\, n. [Cf.
F. comp['e]tence, from L. competentia agreement.]
1. The state of being competent; fitness; ability; adequacy;
   power.
         The loan demonstrates, in regard to instrumental
         resources, the competency of this kingdom to the
         assertion of the common cause.        --Burke.
         To make them act zealously is not in the competence
         of law.                               --Burke.
2. Property or means sufficient for the necessaries and
   conveniences of life; sufficiency without excess.
         Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie
         in three words -- health, peace, and competence.
                                               --Pope.
         Superfluity comes sooner by white hairs, but
         competency lives longer.              --Shak.
3. (Law)
   (a) Legal capacity or qualifications; fitness; as, the
       competency of a witness or of a evidence.
   (b) Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take
       cognizance of a cause; as, the competence of a judge
       or court. --Kent.