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.