Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Paragon

Paragon (par"ȧ*gon) , noun

[Old French paragon, French parangon; compare Italian paragone, Sp. paragon, parangon; prob. from Greek {not transcribed} to rub against; para` beside + {not transcribed} whetstone; compare LGr. {not transcribed} a polishing stone.]

1.
A companion; a match; an equal. [Obsolete] — Spenser
Philoclea, who indeed had no paragon but her sister. — Sir P. Sidney
2.
Emulation; rivalry; competition. [Obsolete]
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! — Shakespeare
The riches of sweet Mary's son, Boy-rabbi, Israel's paragon. — Emerson
4.
(Printing) A size of type between great primer and double pica. See the Note under Type.

Paragon , transitive verb

[Compare Old French paragonner, French parangonner.]

1.
To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with. [Obsolete] — Sir P. Sidney
2.
To compare with; to equal; to rival. [Rare] — Spenser
In arms anon to paragon the morn, The morn new rising. — Glover
3.
To serve as a model for; to surpass. [Obsolete]
He hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame. — Shakespeare

Paragon , intransitive verb

To be equal; to hold comparison. [Rare]
Few or none could... paragon with her. — Shelton