Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nonpareil \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).

   Note: This line is printed in the type called nonpareil.

   3. (Zo["o]l.)
      (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.