paragonnoun/ˈpæɹəɡən/

• 1

  A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.

  • In the novel, Constanza is a paragon of virtue who would never compromise her reputation.
  • What a piece of worke is man! how Noble in Reaſon? […] the beauty of the world, the Parragon of Animals;
• 2

  obsoleteA companion; a match; an equal.

  • Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister
  • Nathlesse proud man himselfe the other deemed, Having so peerlesse paragon ygot
• 3

  obsoleteComparison; competition.

  • good by paragone / Of euill, may more notably be rad, / As white seemes fairer, macht with blacke attone […].
• 4

  datedmediaprintingpublishingThe size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point.

• 5

  gemmologygemologygeographyA flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.

  • The "Koh-i-noor," or "Mountain of Light," is the eighth and smallest of these paragon diamonds (all diamonds weighing over a hundred carats are called Paragon); but it was originally the largest diamond ever known, weighing uncut 900 carats. . . this matchless gem of 900 carats which once belonged to the Great Mogul, and was the very paragon of paragons.

paragonverb/ˈpæɹəɡən/

• 1

  To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.

  • for want of a bigger , to paragon the little one with Artesia's length
• 2

  To compare with; to equal; to rival.

  • Few or none could for Feature paragon with her, and much less excel her.
  • In arms anon to paragon the morn, / The morn new-riſing, whoſe vermillion hand / Draws from the bright'ning front of heav'n ſerene / The humid curtains of tempeſtuous night, / Mardonius mounts his courſer.
• 3

  To serve as a model for; to surpass.

  • He hath achieved a maid / That paragons description and wild fame.
• 4

  To be equal; to hold comparison.