αἵρεσις αἱρέω a taking especially, esp. of a town, Hdt., etc.; ἡ βασιλῆος αἵρ. the taking by the king, Hdt. means for taking a place, Thuc. (αἱρέομαι) a taking for oneself, a choosing, choice, νέμειν, προτιθέναι, προβάλλειν to give or offer choice, Hdt., Attic; αἵρ. γίγνεταί τινι a choice is allowed one, Thuc.; αἵρεσιν λαμβάνειν to have choice given, Dem. choice or election of magistrates, Thuc., etc. a choice, deliberate plan, purpose, Plat., etc. a sect, school, etc.: esp. a religious sect, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, NTest. a heresy, Eccl.