emulous

Cultivator of the gardens of the mind, himself the very bud and bloom of humanistic learning, he follows Socrates in having taken as his modus operandi the emulous pursuit of all that is most excellent.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in the tenth century, the partisans of the pope, were only citizens, emulous of obtaining the independence of their city or republic, and to withdraw their elective head from all domination.

From The Power Of The Popes by Pierre Claude Fran?ois Daunou

He knew Pranken, he knew tins everlasting galloping style of utterance, which is always so extremely animated, and even becomes enthusiastic when the conversation can be turned into an emulous contest of raillery.

From Villa Eden: The Country-House on the Rhine by Berthold Auerbach

Groups of young men in gaily-coloured and picturesque coats, were seated in separate circles each possessing a kānūn or other instrument players of its own, emulous to surpass the notes of his neighbour. 

From The Thistle and the Cedar of Lebanon by Habeeb Risk Allah

The ladies put their best smiles upon their faces, and their best adornments upon their persons; indeed, every individual seemed emulous of shewing respect to the royal visitor.

From Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume I (of 2) A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day by Anonymous