Paramount \Par"a*mount\, a. [OF. par amont above; par through, by (L. per) + amont above. See {Amount}.] Having the highest rank or jurisdiction; superior to all others; chief; supreme; pre["e]minent; as, a paramount duty. ``A traitor paramount.'' --Bacon. {Lady paramount} (Archery), the lady making the best score. {Lord paramount}, the king. Syn: Syn. Superior; principal; pre["e]minent; chief.