'Competent' definitions:

Definition of 'competent'

From: WordNet
adjective
Properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient; "a competent typist" [ant: incompetent]
adjective
Adequate for the purpose; "a competent performance"
adjective
Legally qualified or sufficient; "a competent court"; "competent testimony" [ant: incompetent, unqualified]

Definition of 'Competent'

From: GCIDE
  • Competent \Com"pe*tent\ (k[o^]m"p[-e]*tent; 94), a. [F. comp['e]tent, p. pr. of comp['e]ter to be in the competency of, LL. competere to strive after together, to agree with; hence, to be fit. See Compete.]
  • 1. Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit. "A competent knowledge of the world." --Atterbury. "Competent age." --Grafton. "Competent statesmen." --Palfrey. /"A competent witness." --Bouvier. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; -- followed by to. [Rare, except in legal usage.] [1913 Webster]
  • That is the privilege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being. --Locke.
  • Syn: See Qualified. [1913 Webster]