Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EC-LEC'TIC, a. [Gr. εκλεκτικος; εξ and λεγω, to choose.]

Selecting; choosing; an epithet given to certain philosophers of antiquity, who did not attach themselves to any particular sect, but selected from the opinions and principles of each, what they thought solid and good. Hence we say, an eclectic philosopher; the eclectic sect. Encyc.