PRE-EM'INENT, adjective [Latin proe, before, and eminens, emineo. See Menace.] 1. Superior in excellence; distinguished for something commendable or honorable. In goodness and in power preeminent. 2. Surpassing others in evil or bad qualities; as pre-eminent in crime or guilt.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI