Qualify, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Qualified; p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying.]
Etymology: [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. He had qualified himself for municipal office by taking the oaths to the sovereigns in possession. Macaulay.
2. To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate. It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound. Sir T. Browne.
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. 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.
2 more senses
5. To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. [Obs.] In short space he has them qualified. Spenser.
Syn. -- To fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable; modify; soften; restrict; restrain; temper.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Qualify, v. i.
1. To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or employment.
2. To obtain legal power or capacity by taking the oath, or complying with the forms required, on assuming an office.