Po*lite" (?), a. [Compar. Politer (?); superl. Politest.] [L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v.] 1. Smooth; polished. [Obs.]
Rays of light falling on a polite surface.
Sir I. Newton.
2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.
He marries, bows at court, and grows polite.
Pope.
3. Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish; as, polite literature.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable; urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel.
© Webster 1913.
Po*lite", v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [Obs.]
Ray.
© Webster 1913. | 
