Ex"cel*lence (?), n. [F. excellence, L. excellentia.]
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.
2.
An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue.
With every excellence refined.
Beattie.
3.
A title of honor or respect; -- more common in the form excellency.
I do greet your excellence
With letters of commission from the king.
Shak.
Syn. -- Superiority; preeminence; perfection; worth; goodness; purity; greatness.
© Webster 1913.