From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Quality \Qual"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Qualities}. [F. qualit['e], L.
qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which.
See {Which}.]
1. The condition of being of such and such a sort as
distinguished from others; nature or character relatively
considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank.
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We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with
many of the city not of the meanest quality. --Bacon
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2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation;
assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.
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I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.
--Gray.
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3. That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it
is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it;
distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute;
peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait;
as, the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in
quality; the great quality of a statesman.
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Note: Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary.
Primary are those essential to the existence, and even
the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit
Secondary are those not essential to such a conception.
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4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.
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He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and
fencing which accompany a good breeding.
--Clarendon.
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5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character.
"Persons of quality." --Bacon.
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{Quality binding}, a kind of worsted tape used in Scotland
for binding carpets, and the like.
{The quality}, those of high rank or station, as
distinguished from {the masses}, or common people; the
nobility; the gentry.
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I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my
feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they
will look in their traveling habits. --Addison.
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Syn: Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character;
sort; rank; disposition; temper.
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