Superiority in excellence; distinction in something commendable; as pre-eminence in honor or virtue; pre-eminence in eloquence, in legal attainments or in medical skill. The preeminence of christianity to any other religious scheme-

That in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18. Painful preeminence! yourself to view . Above lifes weakness and its comforts too.

Superiority of power or influence.

Sometimes in a bad sense; as pre-eminence in guilt or crime.