PREEMINENCE
Pre*ëm"i*nence, n. Etym: [F. pré\'82minence, L. praeeminentia. See
Preëminent.]
Defn: The quality or state of being preëminent; superiority in prominence or in excellence; distinction above others in quality, rank, etc.; rarely, in a bad sense, superiority or notoriety in evil; as, preëminence in honor. The preëminence of Christianity to any other religious scheme. Addison. Painful preëminence! yourself to view Above life's weakness, and its comforts too. Pope. Beneath the forehead's walled preëminence. Lowell.
PREEMINENT
Pre*ëm"i*nent, a. Etym: [L. praeminens, -entis, p. pr. praeminere to
be prominent, to surpass: cf. F. pré\'82minent. See Pre-, and
Eminent.]
Defn: Eminent above others; prominent among those who are eminent; superior in excellence; surpassing, or taking precedence of, others; rarely, surpassing others in evil, or in bad qualities; as, preëminent in guilt. In goodness and in power preëminent. Milton.
PREEMINENTLY
Pre*ëm"i*nent*ly, adv.
Defn: In a preëminent degree.
PREEMPLOY
Pre`ëm*ploy, v. t.
Defn: To employ beforehand. "Preëmployed by him." Shak.
PREEMPT
Pre*ëmpt", v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Preëmpted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preëmpting.] Etym: [See Preëmption.]
Defn: To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preëmption.