Obs. [Sp.; pa. pple. of elegir to ELECT.] A leader or commander chosen by mutineers. (Also adapted as ELECT.)
1609. Bible (Douay), Numb. xiv. comm., Verie mutiners themselves do ever choose such a one, & cal him, the Electo.
1614. Raleigh, Hist. World, II. v. § 3. 175. The Israelites … consulted to choose them a captain (or as they call it nowadays an Electo).
1650. R. Stapylton, Strada’s Low-C. Warres, VIII. 5. The old souldiers, after the manner of seditions, created a Generall, whom they called the Electo.
