Pre*em"i*nence (?), n. [F. pr'e'eminence, L. praeeminentia. See Preeminent.]
The quality or state of being preeminent; superiority in prominence or in excellence; distinction above others in quality, rank, etc.; rarely, in a bad sense, superiority or notoriety in evil; as, preeminence in honor.
The preeminence of Christianity to any other religious scheme.
Addison.
Painful preeminence! yourself to view
Above life's weakness, and its comforts too.
Pope.
Beneath the forehead's walled preeminence.
Lowell.
© Webster 1913.