GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Excel , 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.]
   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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   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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2.       
   Excel, v. i. To surpass others in good qualities, laudable actions, or acquirements; to be distinguished by superiority; as, to excel in mathematics, or classics.
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   Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.
   Gen. xlix. 4.
   
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   Then peers grew proud in horsemanship t' excel.
   Pope.
   
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