n.
(pl. faculties)
- an inherent mental or physical power.
▸an aptitude or talent.
- a group of university departments concerned with a major division of knowledge.
▸N. Amer. the teaching or research staff of a university or college.
- an authorization or licence from a Church authority.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. faculte, from L. facultas, from facilis ‘easy’, from facere ‘make, do’.