from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Excel \Ex*cel"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Excelled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Excelling}.] [L. excellere, excelsum; ex out + a root found
in culmen height, top; cf. F. exceller. See {Culminate},
{Column}.]
1. To go beyond or surpass in good qualities or laudable
deeds; to outdo or outgo, in a good sense.
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Excelling others, these were great;
Thou, greater still, must these excel. --Prior.
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I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light
excelleth darkness. --Eccl. ii.
13.
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2. To exceed or go beyond; to surpass.
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She opened; but to shut
Excelled her power; the gates wide open stood.
--Milton.
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