Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EM'I-NENCE, or EM'I-NEN-CY, n. [L. eminentia, from eminens, emineo, to stand or show itself above; e and minor, to threaten, that is, to stand or push forward. See Class Mn, No. 9, 11.]

1. Elevation, highth, in a literal sense; but usually, a rising ground; a hill of moderate elevation above the adjacent ground. The temple of honor ought to be seated on an eminence. Burke.
2. Summit; highest part. Ray.
3. A part rising or projecting beyond the rest, or above the idea. We speak of eminences on any plain or smooth surface.
4. An elevated situation among men; a place or station above men in general, either in rank, office or celebrity. Merit may place a man on an eminence, and make him conspicious. Eminence is always exposed to envy.
5. Exaltation; high rank; distinction; celebrity; fame; preferment; conspicuousness. Office, rank and great talents give eminence to men in society. Where men can not arrive at eminence, religion may make compensation, by teaching content. Tillotson.
6. Supreme degree. Milton.
7. Notice; distinction. Shak.
8. A title of honor given to cardinals and others. Encyc.