Dictionary entry

Eclectic

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ec‐lec″tic (?), a. [Gr. �, fr. � to pick out, choose out: cf. F. éclectique. See Eclogue, and cf. Elect.] 1. Selecting; choosing (what is true or excellent in doctrines, opinions, etc.) from various sources or systems; as, an eclectic philosopher.

2. Consisting, or made up, of what is chosen or selected; as, an eclectic method; an eclectic magazine.

Eclectic physician, one of a class of practitioners of medicine, who select their modes of practice and medicines from all schools; formerly, sometimes the same as botanic physician. — Eclectic school. (Paint.) See Bolognese school, under Bolognese.