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.
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.
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.
