Erudition, n.
Etymology: [L. eruditio: cf. F. érudition.]
The act of instructing; the result of thorough instruction; the state of being erudite or learned; the acquisitions gained by extensive reading or study; particularly, learning in literature or criticism, as distinct from the sciences; scholarship. The management of a young lady's person is not be overlooked, but the erudition of her mind is much more to be regarded. Steele. The gay young gentleman whose erudition sat so easily upon him. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Literature; learning. See Literature.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for erudition; he lists it under knowledge, wisdom.
Where he writes about it:
Lore is used only in poetic or elevated style, for accumulated knowledge, as of a people or age, or in a more limited sense for learning or erudition. — from knowledge
Learning is much higher than information, being preeminently wide and systematic knowledge, the result of long, assiduous study; erudition is recondite learning secured only by extraordinary industry, opportunity, and ability. — from knowledge
Enlightenment, erudition, information, knowledge, learning, and skill are acquired, as by study or practise. — from wisdom
Synonyms
knowledgewisdomacquaintanceapprehensionattainmentcognitioncognizancecomprehensiondepthdiscernmentdiscretionenlightenmentexperienceforesightinformationinsightintelligenceintuitionjudgmentjudiciousnesslearninglightloreperceptionprescienceprofundityprudencereasonreasonablenessrecognitionsagacityscholarshipsciencesenseskillunderstanding