v. t. [ imp. Chose p. p. Chosen Chose (Obs.); p. pr. & vb. n. Choosing. ] [ OE. chesen, cheosen, AS. ceósan; akin to OS. kiosan, D. kiezen, G. kiesen, Icel. kjōsa, Goth. kiusan, L. gustare to taste, Gr. &unr_;, Skr. jush to enjoy. √46. Cf. Choice, 2d Gust. ] 1. To make choice of; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more objects offered; to elect; as, to choose the least of two evils. [ 1913 Webster ]

Choose me for a humble friend. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To wish; to desire; to prefer. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The landlady now returned to know if we did not choose a more genteel apartment. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]

To choose sides. See under Side.

Syn. - To select; prefer; elect; adopt; follow. -- To Choose, Prefer, Elect. To choose is the generic term, and denotes to take or fix upon by an act of the will, especially in accordance with a decision of the judgment. To prefer is to choose or favor one thing as compared with, and more desirable than, another, or more in accordance with one's tastes and feelings. To elect is to choose or select for some office, employment, use, privilege, etc., especially by the concurrent vote or voice of a sufficient number of electors. To choose a profession; to prefer private life to a public one; to elect members of Congress. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To make a selection; to decide. [ 1913 Webster ]

They had only to choose between implicit obedience and open rebellion. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To do otherwise. “Can I choose but smile?” Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Can not choose but, must necessarily. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou canst not choose but know who I am. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who chooses; one who has the power or right of choosing; an elector. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. difficult to please, especially in details.
Syn. -- particular, fussy. [ WordNet 1.5 ]