élite

Origin

Borrowing from fr élite

Full definition of élite

Adjective

1. Alternative spelling of elite
• 2002, Clive Jones and Emma Murphy, Israel: Challenges to Identity, Democracy, and the State‎, page 27 (Routledge; ISBN 9780415270878)Ben-Gurion’s legacy has been an enduring one. The projection of a national consensus, the domination of the state over other political actors, and the hegemony exercised over decision-making by a largely Ashkanazim élite remain features of Israeli politics today.
• 2009, Farhad Manjoo, Is Wikipedia a Victim of Its Own Success?, page 2 (TIME.COM, Monday Sep. 28, 2009)Over time, though, a class system emerged; now revisions made by infrequent contributors are much likelier to be undone by élite Wikipedians.

Noun

1. Alternative spelling of elite
• 1951, Isaac Asimov, (1974 publication), part III: “The Mayors”, chapter 6, page 101, ¶ 5A hush had fallen over the élite in the ballroom, as a broad path was cleared for the throne. Lepold sat on it now, hands solidly on its arms, head high, face frozen.----