Chapter Evidence to Excelsior of E by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Exaltation of the Cross A feast held in the Roman Catholic Church, on September 14th, to commemorate the restoration of the cross to Calvary in 628. It had been carried away by Khosroes the Persian.

Examination Examen is Latin for the needle indicator of a balance. To examine is to watch the indicator, so as to adjust the balance.

Examiners (Public). The examiners at the universities, and at the examinations for the military, naval, and civil services, etc.

Excalibur (Ex cal [ce] liber [atus]). Liberated from the stone. The sword which Arthur drew out of the stone, whereby he proved himself to be the king. (See Sword.)

"No sword on earth, were it the Excalibur of King Arthur, can cut that which opposes no steady resistance to the blow." - Sir Walter Scott.

Excellency (His). A title given to colonial and provincial governors, ambassadors, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. (Compare Luke i. 3.)

Excelsior Aim at higher things still. It is the motto of the New York State, and has been made popular by Longfellow's poem so named. Used also as the synonym of super-excellent.