Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paradox \Par`a*dox\, n.; pl. {Paradoxes}. [F. paradoxe, L.
   paradoxum, fr. Gr. ?; ? beside, beyond, contrary to + ? to
   think, suppose, imagine. See {Para-}, and {Dogma}.]
   A tenet or proposition contrary to received opinion; an
   assertion or sentiment seemingly contradictory, or opposed to
   common sense; that which in appearance or terms is absurd,
   but yet may be true in fact.

         A gloss there is to color that paradox, and make it
         appear in show not to be altogether unreasonable.
                                                  --Hooker.

         This was sometime a paradox, but now the time gives it
         proof.                                   --Shak.

   {Hydrostatic paradox}. See under {Hydrostatic}.