Dictionary entry

Elect

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.