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; preëminence; perfection;
worth; goodness; purity; greatness.
Hear it pronounced