1. [n]  an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
2. [n]  model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal

1. \Par"a*gon\, n. [OF. paragon, F. parangon; cf. It.
   paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. fr. Gr. ? to rub
   against; ? beside + ? whetstone; cf. LGr. ? a polishing
   stone.]
   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}.
   

2. \Par"a*gon\, v. t. [Cf. OF. paragonner, F. parangonner.]
   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.
   

3. \Par"a*gon\, v. i.
   To be equal; to hold comparison. [R.]
         Few or none could . . . paragon with her. --Shelton.
   

Mark Sherman. IEEE Software (Nov 1991).