Po‐lite″ (?), a. [Compar.Politer (?); superl.Politest.] [L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v.] 1. Smooth; polished.
Rays of light falling on a polite surface. Sir I. Newton.
2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.
He marries, bows at court, and grows polite. Pope.
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.