as a title of honour, was anciently given to kings and emperors. Charlemagne, for instance, was sometimes thus styled. The title was likewise accorded to the Venetian senate; and in earlier times to the exarchs, &c. It is now restricted, for the most part, to ambassadors and commanders-in-chief. The governors of some provinces are also styled excellency if they have no other title; but if they be peers or right honourable, they take the honorary title belonging to their position. In the United States of America, the president, the ministers plenipotentiary to foreign countries, and the governors of states, all claim the title of excellency.