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’.