in what capacity

[thedaffodils]

Episode:

In post office, Mr. Burns run into a woman who looked familiar to him. And he said to himself, "Wait a minute. I know that woman. But from when? And in what capacity?"

Question:

What does "capacity" exactly mean? I think it refers to an occasion or situation. But I fail to find a close entry of the definitions about it from my dictionary. Could someone please enlighten me on this? Thanks!

[Anglika]

"in what capacity?" >> What was she doing? Was she a nurse, a bank clerk, a secretary, a receptionist - and so on.

[thedaffodils]

"in what capacity?" >> What was she doing? Was she a nurse, a bank clerk, a secretary, a receptionist - and so on.

Anglika, thank you for your illustration.