paragon Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
beau ideal; idol; perfection.
noun model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
nonesuch; nonsuch; apotheosis; ideal; saint; nonpareil.

OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr. to rub against; beside + whetstone; cf. LGr. a polishing stone.

A companion; a match; an equal. Obs. Spenser.
Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister. Sir P. Sidney.
Emulation; rivalry; competition. Obs.
Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men. Spenser.
A model or pattern; a pattern of excellence or perfection; as, a paragon of beauty or eloquence. Udall.
Man, . . . the paragon of animals ! Shak.

The riches of sweet Mary's son, Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon. Emerson.
(Print.) A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type.

Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.

To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. Obs. Sir P. Sidney.
To compare with; to equal; to rival. R. Spenser.
In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. Glover.
To serve as a model for; to surpass. Obs.
He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. Shak.

To be equal; to hold comparison. R.
Few or none could . . . paragon with her. Shelton.