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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Elect

E-lĕct’, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. ELECTED; p. pr. & vb. n. ELECTING.] [Lat. eligere, electum, from e., out, and legere, to gather, to choose; It. eleggere, Pg. eleger, Pr. & Sp. elegir, Fr. élire.]

  1. To pick out; to select from among a number; to make choice of; to fix upon by preference; to choose; to prefer. “The deputy elected by the Lord.” Shak.
  2. To select or take for an office or employment; to choose from among a number; to select by vote; as, to elect a representative, a president, or governor.
  3. (Theol.) To designate, choose, or select, as an object of mercy or favor.

Syn. — To choose; prefer; select; appoint. See CHOOSE.

E-lĕct', a.

adjective

a. [Lat. electus, p. p. of eligere.]

  1. Chosen; taken by preference from among two or more. “Colors quaint elect.” Spenser.
  2. (Theol.) Chosen as the object of mercy or divine favor; set apart to eternal life.
  3. Chosen, but not inaugurated, consecrated, or invested with office; as, bishop elect; emperor elect; governor or mayor elect.

E-lĕct', n.

noun

n. 1. One chosen or set apart. Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. Isa. xlii. 1. 2. (pl.) Those who are chosen or separated for salvation. Shall not God avenge his own elect? Luke xviii. 7.