Pre-ē'mi-nent, a.
a. [Eng. prefix pre and eminent; Fr. prééminent, Sp. preeminente, Lat. præeminens, p. pr. of præeminere, to be prominent, to surpass.]
Sense 1. Eminent above others; prominent among those who are eminent; superior in excellence; distinguished for something commendable or honorable. “In goodness and in power pre-eminent.” Milton.
Sense 2. Surpassing others in evil or bad qualities; as, pre-eminent in crime or guilt.