The Greek noun exoche (ἐξοχή) means excellence, prominence, or distinction — literally, something that stands out from its surroundings. It derives from execho (to stand out, to project). It appears once in the New Testament (Acts 25:23).
In Acts 25:23, exoche describes the prominent men (andres hoi kat' exochen) who gathered to hear Paul's defense before Festus and Agrippa. The irony is rich: the most prominent figures of the Roman world gather to hear a prisoner in chains — and that prisoner will soon explain that his apparent shame is the wisdom of God. True exoche (excellence) in the Kingdom is not Roman rank but Spirit-empowered witness, even in chains.