The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Excel \Ex*cel"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Excelled; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Excelling.] [L. excellere, excelsum; ex out + a root found
   in culmen height, top; cf. F. exceller. See Culminate,
   Column.]
   1. To go beyond or surpass in good qualities or laudable
      deeds; to outdo or outgo, in a good sense.
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            Excelling others, these were great;
            Thou, greater still, must these excel. --Prior.
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            I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light
            excelleth darkness.                   --Eccl. ii.
                                                  13.
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   2. To exceed or go beyond; to surpass.
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            She opened; but to shut
            Excelled her power; the gates wide open stood.
                                                  --Milton.
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