D defs.my
Entry 7 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Qualify

/kwŏʹlĭ-fī/ · Qual·i·fy · IPA /ˈkwɑ.lɪ.faɪ/
01 v. t. 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 …
imp. & p. p. Qualified; p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying
  1. 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.
    “He had qualified himself for municipal office by taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession.” Macaulay.
  2. 2.
    To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate.
    “It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound.” Sir T. Browne.
  3. 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.
  4. 4.
    Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors.
    “I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire, But qualify the fire's extreme rage.” Shak.
  5. 5.
    To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons.[Obs.]
    “In short space he has them qualified.” Spenser.
02 v. i. To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or employment.
  1. 1.
    To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or employment.
  2. 2.
    To obtain legal power or capacity by taking the oath, or complying with the forms required, on assuming an office.