‖n. (Zool.) A univalve mollusk of the genus Haliotis. The shell is lined with mother-of-pearl, and used for ornamental purposes; the sea-ear. Several large species are found on the coast of California, clinging closely to the rocks. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ comp. Abler superl. Ablest ] [ OF. habile, L. habilis that may be easily held or managed, apt, skillful, fr. habere to have, hold. Cf. Habile and see Habit. ] 1. Fit; adapted; suitable. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A many man, to ben an abbot able. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Having sufficient power, strength, force, skill, means, or resources of any kind to accomplish the object; possessed of qualifications rendering competent for some end; competent; qualified; capable; as, an able workman, soldier, seaman, a man able to work; a mind able to reason; a person able to be generous; able to endure pain; able to play on a piano. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Specially: Having intellectual qualifications, or strong mental powers; showing ability or skill; talented; clever; powerful; as, the ablest man in the senate; an able speech. [ 1913 Webster ]

No man wrote abler state papers. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) Legally qualified; possessed of legal competence; as, able to inherit or devise property. [ 1913 Webster ]

Able for, is Scotticism. “Hardly able for such a march.” Robertson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective; capable; skillful; clever; vigorous; powerful. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ See Able, a. ] [ Obs. ] 1. To make able; to enable; to strengthen. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To vouch for. “I 'll able them.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having a sound, strong body; physically competent; robust. “Able-bodied vagrant.” Froude. -- A`ble-bod"ied*ness, n.. [1913 Webster]

n. (R. C. Ch.) A representative of the pope charged with important commissions in foreign countries, one of his duties being to bring to a newly named cardinal his insignia of office. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ L. ablegatus, p. p. of ablegare; ab + legare to send with a commission. See Legate. ] To send abroad. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ablegatio. ] The act of sending abroad. [ Obs. ] Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having much intellectual power. -- A`ble-mind"ed*ness, n. [1913 Webster]

[ F. ablet, ablette, a dim. fr. LL. abula, for albula, dim. of albus white. Cf. Abele. ] (Zool.) A small fresh-water fish (Leuciscus alburnus); the bleak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Ability of body or mind; force; vigor. [ Obs. or R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_;; 'a priv. + &unr_; to see. ] Blindness. [ R. ] Urquhart. [ 1913 Webster ]