01 n. The quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue.
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1.
The quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue.“Consider first that great Or bright infers not excellence.” — Milton.
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2.
An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue.“With every excellence refined.” — Beattie.
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3.
A title of honor or respect; -- more common in the form excellency. Also: excellency“I do greet your excellence With letters of commission from the king.” — Shak.
Syn.
Superiority; preëminence; perfection; worth; goodness; purity; greatness.