Re*fine"ment (r?*f?n"ment), n. [Cf. F. raffinement.] 1. The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas.

The more bodies are of kin to spirit in subtilty and refinement, the more diffusive are they.

From the civil war to this time, I doubt whether the corruptions in our language have not equaled its refinements.

2. That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic. "The refinements of irregular cunning." Rogers.

Syn. -- Purification; polish; politeness; gentility; elegance; cultivation; civilization.

• The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material
  
• High-class style; cultivation.
  
• A fine or subtle distinction.