Paragon

[par-uh-gon, -guh n] /ˈpær əˌgɒn, -gən/

noun
1.
a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence:
a paragon of virtue.
Synonyms: ideal, standard, epitome, quintessence; example, exemplar, paradigm.
2.
someone of exceptional merit:
Just who is this paragon whose name is on everyone’s lips?
Synonyms: nonesuch, nonpareil.
3.
Printing. a 20-point type.
4.
an unusually large, round pearl.
verb (used with object)
5.
Rare. to compare; parallel.
6.
Archaic. to be a match for; rival.
7.
Obsolete. to surpass.
8.
Obsolete. to regard as a paragon.
/ˈpærəɡən/
noun
1.
a model of excellence; pattern: a paragon of virtue
2.
a size of printer’s type, approximately equal to 20 point
verb (transitive)
3.
(archaic)

n.

1540s, from Middle French paragon “a model, pattern of excellence” (15c., Modern French parangon), from Italian paragone, originally “touchstone to test gold” (early 14c.), from paragonare “to test on a touchstone, compare,” from Greek parakonan “to sharpen, whet,” from para- “on the side” (see para- (1)) + akone “whetstone,” from PIE root *ak- “sharp, pointed” (see acrid).

Mark Sherman. IEEE Software (Nov 1991).