a. [ Compar. Politer superl. Politest. ] [ L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v. ] 1. Smooth; polished. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Rays of light falling on a polite surface. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil. [ 1913 Webster ]
He marries, bows at court, and grows polite. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish; as, polite literature. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable; urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel. [ 1913 Webster ]