Middle English Dictionary Entry
ē̆līt n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ē̆līt n. |
| Etymology | OF elit, ppl. of elire, used as n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
One elected to office; specif., a bishop-elect.
Associated quotations
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)7.155 : Þe pope see [of Rome] was fer fro þe elites [Hrl: ellites; Higd.(2): electe].
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.209 : Eleccion þorgh hate it falles to no fram..Þe pape at his dome þer elites quassed doun, Eft he bad þam chese a man of gode renoun..Þe pape wild not consent, he quassed þer elite.
- 1448 *Glo.Chron.C (Arms 58:Kooper)f.112v : This Pope ordeyned that .. whethur the archebishop of Canterbury or York that ouerlyued other shuld sacre the newe elyt that thay ne traueyled nat to Rome therfor.
- c1450(c1420) Wyntoun Chron.(Roy 17.D.20)7.1484 : Rychard Byschape in his stede Chosyn he wes concorditer And Elyte twa yhere bad efftyr.