I. sə̇ˈlekt adjective
Etymology: Latin selectus, past participle of seligere to separate by picking out, select, from sed-, se- apart (from sed, se without) + legere to gather, select — more at idiot , legend
1. : chosen from a number or group by fitness or preference
the valuable select bibliography covers 30 pages — R.L.Morton
with the Bible and Shakespeare in the select library to be taken to the proverbial desert island — J.K.M.Rothenstein
2.
a. : of signal value or excellence : superior , choice
a workshop for a select group of young players — Current Biography
a select company of blue-chip shares — Paul Heffernan
a select group of 30 voices which sings for … services — Bulletin of Bates College
b. : exclusively or fastidiously chosen often with regard to social, economic, or cultural characteristics
formed literary, charitable, and social clubs with select memberships — Oscar Handlin
whoso has passed the system, then, is … one of a close corporation, of a select and individual few — G.D.Brown
3. : judicious or restrictive in choice : discriminating
pleased with the select appreciation of his books — Osbert Sitwell
university had its beginnings in a pioneer select school — Alfred University Cat.
a change in emphasis … from being exclusive and select to seeking for all means of outreach — Janet Whitney
4. of lumber
a. : of a generally clear grain : of a quality suitable for natural or paint finish
b. : having a large proportion of its area or volume suitable for use in manufacture
II. noun
( -s )
1. : one that is select — often used in plural
quality lumber, notably the selects and clear grades — N.C.Brown
it is possible to buy ware that is composed wholly of selects — Sally Taylor
of the oysters he chooses only the selects
2. archaic : a select class or group
had his select of friends and acquaintance — Roger North
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin selectus, past participle of seligere to select
transitive verb
: to choose from a number or group usually by fitness, excellence, or other distinguishing feature
the difficult task of selecting a presidential candidate — H.D.Jordan
farmers select their own tracts of ground — American Guide Series: Florida
content to know only those selected out for him to meet — H.J.Laski
intransitive verb
: to choose something from a number or group : to make a selection
has selected and edited well — Alan Devoe
whatever the basis, select with care and foresight