Ĕx'cel-lence, n.
n. [Lat. excellentia, Fr. excellence, Pr. & Pg. excellencia, Sp. excelencia, It. eccellenzia, eccellenza.]
Sense 1. The state or quality of being excellent, of surpassing others, or of possessing eminent properties or virtues; exalted merit; superiority; eminence.
Consider first that great Or bright infers not excellence. Milton.
Sense 2. An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent. “With every excellence refined.” Beattie.
Sense 3. A title of honor given to persons high in rank; excellency.
I do greet your excellence with letters. Shak.
Synonyms—Superiority; perfection; worth; goodness; purity; greatness.