erudite \er"u*dite\ ([e^]r"[-u]*d[imac]t; 135), a. [L. eruditus,
   p. p. of erudire to free from rudeness, to polish, instruct;
   e out + rudis rude: cf. F. ['e]rudit. See {Rude}.]
   Characterized by extensive reading or knowledge; well
   instructed; learned. "A most erudite prince." --Sir T. More.
   "Erudite . . . theology." --I. Taylor. -- {eru*ditely},
   adv. -- {eru*diteness}, n.
   
[1913 Webster]