Capable \Ca"pa*ble\, a. [F. capable, LL. capabilis capacious, capable, fr. L. caper to take, contain. See Heave.]

1. Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault.

Concious of joy and capable of pain. --Prior.

2. Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations.

More capable to discourse of battles than to give them. --Motley.

3. Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.

4. Capacious; large; comprehensive. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Note: Capable is usually followed by of, sometimes by an infinitive.

Syn: Able; competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective; skillful.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)