(from *eligo* "I choose") denotes a manner of doing or saying things politely, agreeably, and with choice. With choice, so as to rise above the common manners; politely, so as to strike people of delicate taste; and agreeably, so as to diffuse a relish which gratifies every body.

in oratory and composition, an ornament of politeness and agreeableness shown in any discourse, with such a choice of rich and happy expressions, as to rise politely above the common manners, so as to strike people of a delicate taste.

It is observed, that elegance, though irregular, is preferable to regularity without elegance: that is, by being so scrupulous of grammatical construction, we lose certain licences wherein the elegance of language consists.

ELIGIAC, in ancient poetry, anything belonging to elegy. See ELEGY.