1. A basic or minimal ability to do something; qualification, esp. to testify (competence of a witness). [Cases: Witnesses 35. C.J.S. Witnesses §§ 87–88, 90, 92.]
2. The capacity of an official body to do something (the court’s competence to enter a valid judgment).
3. Authenticity (the documents were supported by a business-records affidavit, leaving their competence as evidence beyond doubt). [Cases: Evidence 369. C.J.S. Evidence § 819.] Cf. COMPETENCY. — competent, adj.