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. 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.
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. "Persons of quality."
...