figurative. In biblical and religious language, applied (as collective plural) to persons, in expressed or implied correlation with shepherd…

absol. Elect. (mostly plural.)

The people chosen by God as his peculiar possession; the ancient Israelites; the Church of God.

With plural agreement. With the. People who have been marked or marked out; †people marked out by God, God's elect (obsolete).

In figurative and allusive uses; esp. the chosen people of God, the elect: applied to the Christian church, or to true Christians collectively.

With plural and singular agreement. Originally (chiefly in or after biblical use): a people chosen… In Christian use, applied to those chosen by God…

Theology. A personal or chosen possession of God; a chosen or elect person or people. Cf. peculiar people, n. a b. Obsolete.

Theology. concrete. The body of the elect. Obsolete. rare.

Chiefly Theology. With the: people predestinated by God for salvation or eternal life, regarded as a class. Cf. predestinate, n.

= peculiar people, n. (in various senses).