Properly, to pick out; to select from among two or more, that which is preferred. Hence,

To select or take for an office or employment; to choose from among a number; to select or manifest preference by vote or designation; as, to elect a representative by ballot or viva voce; to elect a president or governor.

In theology, to designate, choose or select as an object of mercy or favor.

To choose; to prefer; to determine in favor of.

Chosen, taken by preference from among two or more. Hence,

In theology, chosen as the object of mercy; chosen, selected or designated to eternal life; predestinated in the divine counsels.

Chosen, but no inaugurated, consecrated or invested with office; as bishop elect; emperor elect; governor or mayor elect. But in the scriptures, and in theology, this word is generally used as a noun.

One chosen or set apart; applied to Christ. Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. Isaiah 42:1.

Chosen or designated by God to salvation; predestinated to glory as the end, and to sanctification as the means; usually with a plural signification, the elect. Shall not God avenge his own elect? Luke 18:7. If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Vatihew 24:24. He shall send his angels--and they shall gather his elect from the four winds. Matthew 24:31.

Chosen; selected; set apart as a peculiar church and people; applied to the Israelites. Isaiah 45:4.