excelsior interjection & noun. [ɛk'sɛlsɪɔ:] L18.
[Latin, compar. of excelsus, formed as EX-¹ 1 + celsus lofty: see -IOR.]
A. interjection. Go higher! L18.
■ Longfellow A voice replied, far up the height, Excelsior!
b. noun.
1. Curled shavings of soft wood for stuffing, packing, etc. Orig. US. M19.
■ V. Nabokov A boy with hair like excelsior.

2. A person who or thing which reaches or aspires to reach higher. L19.
■ D. H. Lawrence Up he goes! Up like a bloomin' little Excelsior In his Sunday clothes!

3. (Usu. Excelsior.) A very small size (3 points) of type. Chiefly US. E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲