paragon Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet


Par"a*gon noun
Etymology
OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr. to rub against; beside + whetstone; cf. LGr. a polishing stone.
Definitions
  1. A companion; a match; an equal. Obs. Spenser.
    Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister. Sir P. Sidney.
  2. Emulation; rivalry; competition. Obs.
    Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men. Spenser.
  3. 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.
  4. (Print.) A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type.
Par"a*gon transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.
Definitions
  1. To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. Obs. Sir P. Sidney.
  2. To compare with; to equal; to rival. R. Spenser.
    In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. Glover.
  3. To serve as a model for; to surpass. Obs.
    He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. Shak.
Par"a*gon intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be equal; to hold comparison. R.
    Few or none could . . . paragon with her. Shelton.

Webster 1913