Se*lect" (?), a. [L. selectus, p.
p. of seligere to select; pref. se- aside +
levere to gather. See Legend.] Taken from a number
by preferance; picked out as more valuable or exellent than others; of
special value or exellence; nicely chosen; selected; choice.
A few select spirits had separated from the
crowd, and formed a fit audience round a far greater
teacher.
Macaulay.Se*lect", v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Selected; p. pr. & vb. n.
Selecting.] To choose and take from a number; to take by
preference from among others; to pick out; to cull; as, to
select the best authors for perusal. "One peculiar nation
to select." Milton.
The pious chief . . .
A hundred youths from all his train selects.
Dryden.