Re-fine'ment, n.
n. [Fr. raſfinement, It. raſfinamento, raſfinimento, Sp. refinamiento.]
Sense 1. The act of refining, or the state of being refined; separation from what is extraneous or defining; clarification; purification; as, the refinement of metals or liquors.
The more bodies are of a kin to spirit in subtilty and refinement, the more diffusive are they. Norris.
Sense 2. Liberation from what is gross, inelegant, or the like; high cultivation; culture; elegance.
From the civil war to this time, I doubt whether the corruptions in our language have not equaled its refinements. Swift.
Sense 3. That which is refined, or elaborated or polished to excess; an over-nicety; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic or philosophy. “The refinements of irregular cunning.” Rogers.
Synonyms— Purification ; polish ; politeness ; gentility ; elegance; cultivation; civilization.