abler

2 definitions found

abler - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Abler \A"bler\, a.,
     comp. of Able. -- A"blest, a., superl. of Able.
     [1913 Webster] Ablet

  Able \A"ble\, a. [comp. Abler; superl. Ablest.] [OF. habile,
     L. habilis that may be easily held or managed, apt, skillful,
     fr. habere to have, hold. Cf. Habile and see Habit.]
     1. Fit; adapted; suitable. [Obs.]
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              A many man, to ben an abbot able.     --Chaucer.
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     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.
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     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.
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              No man wrote abler state papers.      --Macaulay.
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     4. (Law) Legally qualified; possessed of legal competence;
        as, able to inherit or devise property.
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     Note:
  
     Able for, is Scotticism.
  
              "Hardly able for such a march." --Robertson.
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     Syn: Competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective;
          capable; skillful; clever; vigorous; powerful.
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