Webster's English Dictionary

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ability

abil.i.ty \*-'bil-*t-e-\ n [ME abilite, fr. MF habilite`, fr. L habilitat-, 
   habilita]s, fr. habilis apt, skillful - more at ABLE 1a: the quality or 
   state of being able; esp : physical, mental, or  legal power to perform 1b: 
   competence in doing : SKILL  2: natural talent or acquired proficiency : 
   APTITUDE