[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

quality \qual"ity\, n.; pl. qualities. f. qualit'e, l.
   qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to e. which.
   see which.
   1. 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.
      1913 webster

            we lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with
            many of the city not of the meanest quality. --bacon
      1913 webster

   2. special or temporary character; profession; occupation;
      assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.
      1913 webster

            i made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.
                                                  --gray.
      1913 webster

   3. 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.
      1913 webster

   note: 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.
         1913 webster

   4. an acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.
      1913 webster

            he had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and
            fencing which accompany a good breeding.
                                                  --clarendon.
      1913 webster

   5. superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character.
      "persons of quality." --bacon.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster

            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.
      1913 webster

   syn: property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character;
        sort; rank; disposition; temper.
        1913 webster
see also:
qualities which quality binding the quality the masses 

Qualities >> Q Words
Qualities, definition of term: Qualities
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