[abil.i.ty] n, pl -ties [ME abilite, fr. MF habilite, fr. L habilitat-, habilitas, fr. habilis apt, skillful--more at able] (14c) 1 a: the quality or state of being able "~ of the soil to hold water"; esp: physical, mental, or legal power to perform b: competence in doing: skill
2: natural aptitude or acquired proficiency "children whose abilities warrant higher education"