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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Paragon

Pār'a-gŏn, n.

noun

n. [O. Fr. paragon, N. Fr. parangon, It. paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon, from Sp. para con, in comparison with.]

  1. A companion; a fellow; a match; an equal. [Obs.] “Comparing it to the present Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister.” Sidney.
  2. A model or pattern; a model by way of distinction, implying superior excellence or perfection; as, a paragon of beauty or eloquence. “Man, . . . the paragon of animals.” Shak.
  3. Companionship; comparison; emulation. [Obs.] “The paragon of proudest men.” Spenser.

Pār'a-gōn, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [O. Fr. paragonner, N. Fr. parangonner, Sp. paragonar, It. paragonare.]

Sense 1. To compare; to parallel; to put in companionship, rivalry, or emulation with. [Obs.]

The picture of Pamela, in little form, he wore in a tablet, purposing to paragon the little one with Artesia’s length. Sidney.

Sense 2. To admit comparison with; to rival; to equal. [R.] “A maid that paragons description.” Shak.

Pār'a-gŏn, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To pretend to comparison or equality. [Rare.] Scott.