adj. 1. Qualified or entitled to be chosen: eligible to run for office; eligible for retirement. 2. Desirable and worthy of choice, especially for marriage: an eligible bachelor. 3. Football Allowed under the rules to catch a forward pass. n. A person who is eligible. [Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin ēligibilis, from Latin ēligere, to select; see ELECT.] el′i·gi·bili·ty n. eli·gi·bly adv. |
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