INCOM'PETENT, a. [L. in and competens, competo. See Incompatible.] 1. Wanting adequate powers of mind or suitable faculties; as an incompetent judge. Infancy, derangement, want of learning or dotage may render a person incompetent to fill an office or to transact business.2. Wanting due strength or suitable faculties; unable.3. Wanting the legal or constitutional qualifications. A person convicted of a crime, is an incompetent witness in a court of law or equity.4. Destitute of means; unable.5. Inadequate; insufficient; as incompetent testimony.6. Unfit; improper; legally unavailable. It is incompetent for the defendant to make this defense.
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