Non`pa*reil" (?), n. [See
Nonpareil, a. ]
1. Something of unequaled excellence; a
peerless thing or person; a nonesuch; -- often used as a
name.
2. [F. nonpareille.] (Print.) A
size of type next smaller than minion and next larger than
agate (or ruby).
&fist; This line is printed in the type called
nonpareil.
3. (Zoöl.) (a) A
beautifully colored finch (Passerina ciris), native of the
Southern United States. The male has the head and neck deep blue,
rump and under parts bright red, back and wings golden green, and the
tail bluish purple. Called also painted finch.
(b) Any other similar bird of the same
genus.
Non`pa*reil", a. [F., from non
not + pareil equal, fr. LL. pariculus, dim. of L.
par equal. See Non, and Pair, Peer.]
Having no equal; peerless.
