(adj) qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen, Ant. ineligible, Example:eligible to run for office; eligible for retirement benefits; an eligible bachelor
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ F. éligible, fr. L. eligere. See Elect. ] 1. That may be selected; proper or qualified to be chosen; legally qualified to be elected and to hold office. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Worthy to be chosen or selected; suitable; desirable; as, an eligible situation for a house. [ 1913 Webster ]
The more eligible of the two evils. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]