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.]
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            Rays of light falling on a polite surface. --Sir I.
                                                  Newton.
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   2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred;
      courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.
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            He marries, bows at court, and grows polite. --Pope.
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   3. Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish;
      as, polite literature. --Macaulay.
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   Syn: Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable;
        urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel.
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