- paragon
- 1548, from M.Fr. paragon "a model, pattern of excellence" (15c.), from It. paragone, originally "touchstone to test gold" (c.1324), from paragonare "to test on a touchstone, compare," from Gk. parakonan "to sharpen, whet," from para- "on the side" + akone "whetstone," from PIE base *ak- "be pointed."