- eminence
- 1620s, from Fr. eminence, from L. eminentia, from eminens "excellent, prominent" (see eminent). As a title of honor (now only of cardinals) it is attested from 1650s. The original Éminence grise (Fr., lit. "gray eminence") was François Leclerc du Trembley (1577-1638), confidential agent of Richelieu.