CAN

v.aux. (3rd sing. present can; past could) (foll. by infin. without to, or absol.; present and past only in use) 1 a be able to; know how to (I can run fast; can he?; can you speak German?). b be potentially capable of (you can do it if you try). 2 be permitted to (can we go to the party?). [OE cunnan know]