Erudite \Er"u*dite\ (?; 135), a. [L. eruditus, p. p. of erudire to free from rudeness, to polish, instruct; e out + rudis rude: cf. F. ['e]rudit. See {Rude}.] Characterized by extensive reading or knowledge; well instructed; learned. ``A most erudite prince.'' --Sir T. More. ``Erudite . . . theology.'' --I. Taylor. -- {Er"u*dite`ly}, adv. -- {Er"u*dite`ness}, n. web1913

erudite adj : having or showing profound knowledge; "a learned jurist"; "an erudite professor" [syn: {learned}] wn