(ˌpriːɪˈlɛkt) vb (tr) 1. to elect (someone) to a post in advance of an opening becoming available2. (Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity to elect (a person) for a task or role in advance of or in preference to othersadj3. literary elected or chosen in advance or in preference4. (Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity chosen in advance or predestined by God for salvation