Also 7–8 elicite. [f. L. ēlicit- ppl. stem of ēlicĕre: see prec.]
1. trans. To draw forth (what is latent or potential) into sensible existence. Also fig.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., III. 178–9. The former method, of shewing how to elicite and fetch out of it the five-fold profit of Doctrine, Redargution, Correction, Instruction, and Consolation.
1647. H. More, Poems, 138. And when he hath that life elicited.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., I. iii. 76. Which seminal Principle is … derived and elicited from the Plant or Animal.
1791. Cowper, Iliad, XIII. 503. Elicited a tinkling sound.
1837. J. H. Newman, Proph. Office Ch., 157. They elicit … the innate sense of right and wrong.
1853. Robertson, Serm., Ser. III. x. 127. A corrupt heart elicits in an hour all that is bad in us.
1860. Adler, Fauriel’s Prov. Poetry, xii. 251. Having elicited sparks from two flints he lighted a large fire.
1877. L. Morris, Epic of Hades, II. 92. Only suffering … can elicit The perfumes of the soul.
2. To bring out, educe (principles, truths, etc.) from the data in which they are implied. Also, to extract, draw out (information) from a person by interrogation; sometimes with object clause introduced by that.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., I. i. 25. Although possibly the very same truths may be elicited.
1795. Burke, Th. on Scarcity, Wks. 1815, 382. Legislative acts … require the exactest detail … in order … to elicit principles.
1845. J. H. Newman, Ess. Developm., 402. The pressure of the controversy elicited and developed a truth.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), V. 88. The matter in dispute should be clearly elicited from the contending parties.
Mod. It was at length elicited that a bribe had been offered.
3. To draw forth, evoke (a response, manifestation, etc.) from a person.
1822. Q. Rev., XXVII. 92. He could not elicit a syllable from him on the subject.
1847. Disraeli, Tancred, I. I. vi. 66. The exploits … elicited frequent bursts of laughter.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. § 25. 188. The edge of one [fissure] which elicited other sentiments than those of admiration.
Elicit, obs. pa. pple. of prec.
1671. [R. MacWard], True Non-conf., 493. A very mean and scant act of justice, elicit by a visible State-conveniency.
