EXCELv.t.
[L. excello, the root of which, cello, is not in use.]
1. To go beyond; to exceed; to surpass in good qualities or laudable deeds; to outdo.
Excelling others, these were great;
Thou greater still, must these excel.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Proverbs 31:29.
2. To exceed or go beyond in bad qualities or deeds.
3. To exceed; to surpass.
EXCELv.i.
To have good qualities, or to perform meritorious actions, in an unusual degree; to be eminent, illustrious or distinguished.
Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength. Psalm 103:20.
We say, to excel in mathematics; to excel in painting; to excel in heroic achievements.