capacity

n.; pl. Capacities [ L. capacitus, fr. capax, capacis; fr. F. capacité. See Capacious. ] 1. The power of receiving or containing; extent of room or space; passive power; -- used in reference to physical things. [ 1913 Webster ]

Had our great palace the capacity
To camp this host, we all would sup together. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The capacity of the exhausted cylinder. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The power of receiving and holding ideas, knowledge, etc.; the comprehensiveness of the mind; the receptive faculty; capability of understanding or feeling. [ 1913 Webster ]

Capacity is now properly limited to these [ the mere passive operations of the mind ]; its primary signification, which is literally room for, as well as its employment, favors this; although it can not be denied that there are examples of its usage in an active sense. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Ability; power pertaining to, or resulting from, the possession of strength, wealth, or talent; possibility of being or of doing. [ 1913 Webster ]

The capacity of blessing the people. Alex. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

A cause with such capacities endued. Blackmore. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Outward condition or circumstances; occupation; profession; character; position; as, to work in the capacity of a mason or a carpenter. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Law) Legal or moral qualification, as of age, residence, character, etc., necessary for certain purposes, as for holding office, for marrying, for making contracts, wills, etc.; legal power or right; competency. [ 1913 Webster ]

Capacity for heat, the power of absorbing heat. Substances differ in the amount of heat requisite to raise them a given number of thermometric degrees, and this difference is the measure of, or depends upon, what is called their capacity for heat. See Specific heat, under Heat.

Syn. -- Ability; faculty; talent; capability; skill; efficiency; cleverness. See Ability. [ 1913 Webster ]