Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- the selection of a person or persons for office by vote.
- a public vote upon a proposition submitted.
- the act of electing.
- Theology. the choice by God of individuals, as for a particular work or for favor or salvation.
noun
- the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp a political office
- a public vote on an official proposition
- the act or an instance of choosing
- Christianity
- the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works
- the doctrine of Arminius and others that God chooses for salvation those who, by grace, persevere in faith and works
late 13c., from Anglo-French eleccioun, Old French elecion “choice, election, selection” (12c.), from Latin electionem (nominative electio), noun of action from past participle stem of eligere “pick out, select,” from ex- “out” (see ex-) + -ligere, comb. form of legere “to choose, read” (see lecture (n.)). Theological sense is from late 14c.