1. (Philosophie) Système composé d'idées empruntées ŕ différentes écoles.
2. Largeur d'esprit.
3. Fait d'avoir des connaissances (peu approfondies sans doute), des dons, dans des secteurs divers.
ETYM Cf. French éclecticisme. Related to Electicism.
In artistic theory, the use of motifs and elements from various styles, periods, and geographical areas. This selection and recombination of features from different sources is a characteristic of Victorian architecture; for example, J F Bentley's design for Westminster Cathedral, London, 1895–1903, in Byzantine style.
Making decisions on the basis of what seems best instead of following some single doctrine or style; SYN. eclectic method.