Choose

(chōoz, 66), v. t. [imp. CHOSE; p. p. CHOSEN, CHOSE; p. pr. & vb. n. CHOOSING.] [O. Eng. chese, A-S. ceosan, O. Sax. kiosan, Icel. kiosa, kiora, Sw. kesa, D. kiezen, N. H. Ger. kiesen, O. H. Ger. & Goth. kiusan. Cf. CHOICE.] To make choice of; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more things offered; to elect. “Chose me for a humble friend.” Pope.

Syn.—To select; prefer; elect; adopt; follow.—To CHOOSE, PREFER, ELECT. To choose is the generic term, and denotes to take by an act of the will. To prefer is to choose one thing as compared with, and more desirable than, another. To elect is to choose or select out of a body or mass which is presented for the purpose; and is more specifically applied to a selection of this kind for some office, employment, use, &c. To choose a profession; to prefer private life to a public one; to elect members of congress.

I may neither choose whom I would, nor refuse whom I dislike. Shak.

O spirit, that doth prefer Before all temples the upright heart. Milton.

Henry, his son, is chosen king, though young, And Lewis of France, elected first, beguiled. Daniel.