Eminent \Em"i*nent\, a. [L. eminens, -entis, p. pr. of eminere to stand out, be prominent; e out + minere (in comp.) to project; of uncertain origin: cf. F. ['e]minent. Cf. Menace.]

1. High; lofty; towering; prominent. ``A very eminent promontory.'' --Evelyn

2. Being, metaphorically, above others, whether by birth, high station, merit, or virtue; high in public estimation; distinguished; conspicuous; as, an eminent station; an eminent historian, statements, statesman, or saint.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)