Quality /(?)/

pl. Qualities

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.

   We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with many of the city not of the meanest quality.

2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation; assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.

   I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.

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.
4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.

   He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and fencing which accompany a good breeding.

5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character.

   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.