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.

2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.

He marries, bows at court, and grows polite.

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.

Po*lite", v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [Obs.] Ray.

• good mannered, friendly, civilized