abilitate
/əˈbɪlɪteɪt/
verb
rare
with object
To enable; to endow with ability or capacity; to make fit.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in John Preston (1587–1628), Church of England clergyman. Variant of habilitate.
========
Henry's family connections smoothed his path. His own effort, while good, was not in a vacuum. A call to the dean abilitated Hank's entry into Princeton.