† ˈexcellentnessObs. [f. as prec. + -ness.] = excellence. 1569Golding Heminges Post. 12 Hee commendeth John for the excellentnesse of his Prophecie.1576Fleming Panopl. Epist. 397 Writers of no lesse excellentnesse then ancientnesse.1730–6in Bailey (folio).1775in Ash.