n. [ F. prééminence, L. praeeminentia. See Preëminent. ] The quality or state of being preëminent; superiority in prominence or in excellence; distinction above others in quality, rank, etc.; rarely, in a bad sense, superiority or notoriety in evil;
The preëminence of Christianity to any other religious scheme. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
Painful preëminence! yourself to view
Above life's weakness, and its comforts too. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
Beneath the forehead's walled preëminence. Lowell. [ 1913 Webster ]