Po*lite" , v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [Obs.]
Ray.
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.
Hear it pronounced