Ex"cel*lent (?), a. [F.
excellent, L. excellens, -entis, p. pr. of
excellere. See Excel.] 1.
Excelling; surpassing others in some good quality or the sum of
qualities; of great worth; eminent, in a good sense; superior; as, an
excellent man, artist, citizen, husband, discourse, book,
song, etc.; excellent breeding, principles, aims,
action.
To love . . .
What I see excellent in good or fair.
Milton.
2. Superior in kind or degree, irrespective
of moral quality; -- used with words of a bad significance.
[Obs. or Ironical] "An excellent hypocrite." Hume.
Their sorrows are most excellent.
Beau. & Fl.
Syn. -- Worthy; choice; prime; valuable; select; exquisite;
transcendent; admirable; worthy.
Ex"cel*lent, adv. Excellently;
eminently; exceedingly. [Obs.] "This comes off well and
excellent." Shak.
