2 entries under this word
v. t. [imp. & p. p., SELECTED; p. pr. & sb. n., SELECTING.] [Lat. seligere, selectum, from se, aside, apart, and legere, to gather.] To choose and take from a number; to take by preference from among others; to pick out; to call; as, to select the best authors for perusal. “One peculiar nation to select.” Milton.
a. [Lat. selectus, part. of seligere; Sp. selecto, It. seletto.] Taken from a number by preference; more valuable or excellent than others; of special value or excellence; nicely chosen; selected; preferable; choice.
A few select spirits had separated from the crowd, and formed a fit audience round a far greater teacher. Macaulay.
Synonyms—Selected; chosen; picked; choice.