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. éminent. 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.