Word Direct Answers

What does "paragon" mean?

Paragon: Emulation; rivalry; competition. [Obs.] Full many feats adventurous Performed, in paragon of proudest men. Spenser.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.(Print.) A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type.
  3. 4.To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.
  4. 5.To compare with; to equal; to rival. [R.] Spenser. In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. Glover.
  5. 6.To serve as a model for; to surpass. [Obs.] He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. Shak.
  6. 7.To be equal; to hold comparison. [R.] Few or none could . . . paragon with her. Shelton.

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