GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Quality , n.; pl. Qualities . [F. qualité, L. qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which. See Which.]
   The condition of being of such and such a sort as distinguished from others; nature or character relatively considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank.
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   We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with many of the city not of the meanest quality.
   Bacon
   
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   Special or temporary character; profession; occupation; assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.
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   I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.
   Gray.
   
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   That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it; distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute; peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait; as, the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in quality; the great quality of a statesman.
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   ☞ Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary. Primary are those essential to the existence, and even the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit Secondary are those not essential to such a conception.
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   An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.
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   He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and fencing which accompany a good breeding.
   Clarendon.
   
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   Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character. “Persons of quality.”  
   Bacon.
   
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   Quality binding, a kind of worsted tape used in Scotland for binding carpets, and the like. -- The quality, those of high rank or station, as distinguished from the masses, or common people; the nobility; the gentry.
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   I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they will look in their traveling habits.
   Addison.
   
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   Syn. -- Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character; sort; rank; disposition; temper.
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