paragon

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a conceptSynonyms: idolperfectionbeau ideal
  2. model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equalSynonyms: idealnonpareilsaintapotheosisnonesuchnonsuch
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Paragon \Par"a*gon\, v. i. To be equal; to hold comparison. [R.] [1913 Webster]

Few or none could . . . paragon with her. --Shelton. [1913 Webster]


Paragon \Par"a*gon\, v. t. [Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.] [1913 Webster]

1.To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. [Obs.] --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]

2.To compare with; to equal; to rival. [R.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising.— Glover.[1913 Webster]

3.To serve as a model for; to surpass. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Paragon \Par"a*gon\ (p[a^]r"[.a]*g[o^]n), n. [OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr. ? to rub against; para` beside + ? whetstone; cf. LGr. ? a polishing stone.]

1.A companion; a match; an equal. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister.— Sir P. Sidney.[1913 Webster]

2.Emulation; rivalry; competition. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

3.A model or pattern; especially a pattern of excellence or perfection; as, a paragon of beauty or eloquence. --Udall. [1913 Webster]

Man, . . . the paragon of animals !— Shak.[1913 Webster]
The riches of sweet Mary's son, Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon.— Emerson.[1913 Webster]

4.(Print.) A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type. [1913 Webster]

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

Paragon

Mark Sherman. IEEE Software (Nov 1991).

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