The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Paramount \Par"a*mount\, a. [OF. par amont above; par through,
   by (L. per) + amont above. See Amount.]
   Having the highest rank or jurisdiction; superior to all
   others; chief; supreme; pre["e]minent; as, a paramount duty.
   "A traitor paramount." --Bacon.
   [1913 Webster]

   Lady paramount (Archery), the lady making the best score.


   Lord paramount, the king.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Syn. Superior; principal; preeminent; chief.
        [1913 Webster]