Excellence \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; pre["e]minence; perfection; worth; goodness; purity; greatness.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)