ELECT', v.t. [L. electus, from eligo; e or ex and lego; Gr. to choose.] 1. Properly, to pick out; to select from among two or more, that which is preferred. Hence,2. To select or take for an office or employment; to choose from among a number; to select or manifest preference by vote or designation; as, to elect a representative by ballot or viva voce; to elect a president or governor.3. In theology, to designate, choose or select as an object of mercy or favor.4. To choose; to prefer; to determine in favor of.ELECT', a. Chosen, taken by preference from among two or more. Hence, 1. In theology, chosen as the object of mercy; chosen, selected or designated to eternal life; predestinated in the divine counsels.2. Chosen, but no inaugurated, consecrated or invested with office; as bishop elect; emperor elect; governor or mayor elect. But in the scriptures, and in theology, this word is generally used as a noun.ELECT', n. One chosen or set apart; applied to Christ. Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. Is. 42.1. Chosen or designated by God to salvation; predestinated to glory as the end, and to sanctification as the means; usually with a plural signification, the elect.Shall not God avenge his own elect? Luke 18.If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt.24.He shall send his angels--and they shall gather his elect from the four winds. Matt.24.2. Chosen; selected; set apart as a peculiar church and people; applied to the Israelites. Is.45.
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