E‐rect″ (?), a. [L. erectus, p. p. of erigere to erect; e out + regere to lead straight. See Right, and cf. Alert.] 1. Upright, or having a vertical position; not inverted; not leaning or bent; not prone; as, to stand erect.
Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall. Milton.
Among the Greek colonies and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect — a column of ruins. Gibbon.
2. Directed upward; raised; uplifted.
His piercing eyes, erect, appear to view
Superior worlds, and look all nature through. Pope.
3. Bold; confident; free from depression; undismayed.
But who is he, by years
Bowed, but erect in heart? Keble.
4. Watchful; alert.
Vigilant and erect attention of mind. Hooker.
5. (Bot.) Standing upright, with reference to the earth's surface, or to the surface to which it is attached.
6. (Her.) Elevated, as the tips of wings, heads of serpents, etc.