Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            Excelling others, these were great; Thou, greater
            still, must these excel.              --Prior.

            I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light
            excelleth darkness.                   --Eccl. ii.
                                                  13.

   2. To exceed or go beyond; to surpass.

            She opened; but to shut Excelled her power; the
            gates wide open stood.                --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

excel
     v : distinguish oneself; "She excelled in math" [syn: {stand out},
          {surpass}]
     [also: {excelling}, {excelled}]

excelling
     See {excel}