a. [ L. selectus, p. p. of seligere to select; pref. se- aside + levere to gather. See Legend. ] Taken from a number by preferance; picked out as more valuable or exellent than others; of special value or exellence; nicely chosen; selected; choice. [ 1913 Webster ]
A few select spirits had separated from the crowd, and formed a fit audience round a far greater teacher. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
The pious chief . . .
A hundred youths from all his train selects. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. With care and selection. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. selectio: cf. F. sélection. ] . The act of selecting, or the state of being selected; choice, by preference. [ 1913 Webster ]
Natural selection. (Biol.)
a. Selecting; tending to select. [ 1913 Webster ]
This selective providence of the Almighty. Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.;
The system of delegated town action was then, perhaps, the same which was defined in an “order made in 1635 by the inhabitants of Charlestown at a full meeting for the government of the town, by selectmen;” the name presently extended throughout New England to municipal governors. Palfrey. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or state of being select. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. ] One who selects. [ 1913 Webster ]