GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

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