The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized;
   p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
   [Also spelled generalise.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in
      relation to a genus or to genera.
      [1913 Webster]

            Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by
            merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton
            generalized them still more by referring this last
            to the motion of a stone through the air. --W.
                                                  Nicholson.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more
      extensive application; to extend so as to include all
      special cases; to make universal in application, as a
      formula or rule.
      [1913 Webster]

            When a fact is generalized, our discontent is
            quited, and we consider the generality itself as
            tantamount to an explanation.         --Sir W.
                                                  Hamilton.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general
      principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]

   Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
        [1913 Webster]

              A mere conclusion generalized from a great
              multitude of facts.                 --Coleridge.
        [1913 Webster]

   4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
      [WordNet sense 1]

   Syn: generalise, speak generally.
        [WordNet 1.5]