Po*lite" (?), a. [Compar. Politer (?); superl. Politest.] [L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v.]

1.

Smooth; polished.

[Obs.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Po*lite", v. t.

To polish; to refine; to render polite.

[Obs.]

Ray.

 

© Webster 1913.