E*lect" (?), a. [L. electus, p. p. of eligere to elect; e out + legere to choose. See Legend, and cf. Elite, Eclectic.]
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. "The elect angels."
1 Tim. v. 21.
3. Chosen to an office, but not yet actually inducted into it; as, bishop elect; governor or mayor elect.
© Webster 1913.
E*lect", n. 1. One chosen or set apart.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.
Is. xlii. 1.
2. pl. Theol. Those who are chosen for salvation.
Shall not God avenge his won elect?
Luke xviii. 7.
© Webster 1913.
E*lect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Elected; p. pr. & vb. n. Electing.]
1. To pick out; to select; to choose.
The deputy elected by the Lord.
Shak.
2. To select or take for an office; to select by vote; as, to elect a representative, a president, or a governor.
3. Theol. To designate, choose, or select, as an object of mercy or favor.
Syn. -- To choose; prefer; select. See Choose.
© Webster 1913. |