from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Polite \Po*lite"\, a. [Compar. {Politer}; superl. {Politest}.]
[L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See
{Polish}, v.]
1. Smooth; polished. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Rays of light falling on a polite surface. --Sir I.
Newton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred;
courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.
[1913 Webster]
He marries, bows at court, and grows polite. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
3. Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish;
as, polite literature. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable;
urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel.
[1913 Webster]