election

n. [ F. élection, L. electio, fr. eligere to choose out. See Elect, a. ] 1. The act of choosing; choice; selection. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of choosing a person to fill an office, or to membership in a society, as by ballot, uplifted hands, or viva voce; as, the election of a president or a mayor. [ 1913 Webster ]

Corruption in elections is the great enemy of freedom. J. Adams. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Power of choosing; free will; liberty to choose or act. “By his own election led to ill.” Daniel. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Discriminating choice; discernment. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To use men with much difference and election is good. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Theol.) Divine choice; predestination of individuals as objects of mercy and salvation; -- one of the “five points” of Calvinism. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is a remnant according to the election of grace. Rom. xi. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Law) The choice, made by a party, of two alternatives, by taking one of which, the chooser is excluded from the other. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Those who are elected. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The election hath obtained it. Rom. xi. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

To contest an election. See under Contest. --
To make one's election, to choose. [ 1913 Webster ]

He has made his election to walk, in the main, in the old paths. Fitzed. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Electionered p. pr. & vb. n. Electioneering. ] To make interest for a candidate at an election; to use arts for securing the election of a candidate. [ 1913 Webster ]

A master of the whole art of electioneering. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]