Ex"em*pla*ry (?), a. [L. exemplaris, fr. exemplar: cf. F. exemplaire. See Exemplar.] 1. Serving as a pattern; deserving to be proposed for imitation; commendable; as, an exemplary person; exemplary conduct.

[Bishops'] lives and doctrines ought to be exemplary.

2. Serving as a warning; monitory; as, exemplary justice, punishment, or damages.

3. Illustrating as the proof of a thing. Fuller.

Ex"em*pla*ry, n. An exemplar; also, a copy of a book or writing. [Obs.] Donne.

• good enough to serve as an example to others
  
• dererving honour, respect and admiration
  
• ideal or perfect