a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.

Printing . a 20-point type.

an unusually large, round pearl.

to compare; parallel.

to be a match for; rival.

Obsolete . to surpass.

Obsolete . to regard as a paragon.

noun

apotheosis , archetype , beau ideal * , beauty , best , champ , champion , crackerjack * , cream * , criterion , cynosure , epitome , essence , exemplar , gem , ideal , jewel * , love , lovely , model , nonesuch , nonpareil , original , paradigm , pattern , peach , perfection , pick , prototype , quintessence , standard , sublimation , tops , trump * , ultimate , phoenix , cream , example , jewel , unequaled