qualify

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Qualified p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying ] [ F. qualifier, LL. qualificare, fr. L. qualis how constituted, as + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Quality, and -Fy. ] 1. To make such as is required; to give added or requisite qualities to; to fit, as for a place, office, occupation, or character; to furnish with the knowledge, skill, or other accomplishment necessary for a purpose; to make capable, as of an employment or privilege; to supply with legal power or capacity. [ 1913 Webster ]

He had qualified himself for municipal office by taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate. [ 1913 Webster ]

It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To reduce from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to restrain; as, to qualify a statement, claim, or proposition. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors. [ 1913 Webster ]

I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire,
But qualify the fire's extreme rage. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

In short space he has them qualified. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable; modify; soften; restrict; restrain; temper. [ 1913 Webster ]