Definition for IN-COM'PE-TENT

IN-COM'PE-TENT, a. [Fr. from L. in and competens, competo. See Incompatible.]

  1. Wanting adequate powers of mind or suitable faculties; as, an incompetent judge. Infancy, derangement, want of learning or dotage may render a person incompetent to fill an office or to transact business.
  2. Wanting due strength or suitable faculties; unable.
  3. Wanting the legal or constitutional qualifications. A person convicted of a crime, is an incompetent witness in a court of law or equity.
  4. Destitute of means; unable.
  5. Inadequate; insufficient; as, incompetent testimony.
  6. Unfit; improper; legally unavailable. It is incompetent for the defendant to make this defense. Mass. Rep.

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