Em"i*nent (?), a. [L. eminens, -entis, p. pr. of eminere to stand out, be prominent; e out + minere (in comp.) to project; of uncertain origin: cf. F. 'eminent. Cf. Menace.]
1. High; lofty; towering; prominent. "A very eminent promontory."
Evelyn
2. Being, metaphorically, above others, whether by birth, high station, merit, or virtue; high in public estimation; distinguished; conspicuous; as, an eminent station; an eminent historian, statements, statesman, or saint.
Right of eminent domain. Law See under Domain.
Syn. -- Lofty; elevated; exalted; conspicuous; prominent; remarkable; distinguished; illustrious; famous; celebrated; renowned; well-known. See Distinguished.
© Webster 1913. | 
