figurative and in figurative contexts. A person or thing likened to a star, esp. one considered as a source of inspiration or enlightenment.

concrete. Anything estimable, choice, fine, pleasing or delightful; hence occasionally, a luxury, rarity (cf. dainty, adj. 2). Obsolete except as…

As a term of admiration. Obsolete.

A trial specimen; a sample; esp. a test piece made by a craftsman and submitted to a guild or corporation as proof of his competence to be admitted…

A thing of beauty or interest, a thing to exhibit. Obsolete.

An object of outstanding quality or value; an object which serves as a model of some quality.

= dainty, n.

A remarkably good or large example of something; a person who excels in an activity. Cf. rapping, adj. 2. Now English regional (Yorkshire).

A drink to be consumed to the last drop; a wine of the highest quality. Frequently (and in earliest use) figurative: anything excellent of its…

slang or colloquial. Anything superlatively fine, neat, or dainty; esp. in the dandy (now usually a dandy), ‘the correct thing’, ‘the ticket’. Also…

U.S. slang. A remarkable or outstanding person; a person (occasionally a thing) regarded as superlative or notable. See also ring-tailed roarer at r…

In various slang, colloquial, or dialect senses. Something exceptionally good, great, strong, violent, etc., in some respect (cf. quots.).

slang. More generally: any desirable thing, a coveted prize; the pick of a collection of things; one of the best things in a book, piece of music…

One who or that which trims or trounces (see trim, v. 10); a stiff competitor, fighter, etc.; a slasher; a stiff letter, article, bout, run, blow…

Something exceptional in any respect, esp. a large fish.

slang. Anything remarkable or extraordinary; (now) esp. (Sport) a powerful, fast-moving shot or ball.

colloquial (chiefly U.S. and (now esp.) Irish English). An impressive or exceptional thing or (less commonly) person; something superlative of…

colloquial (originally U.S.). Chiefly with modifying word. A thing of a type specified or evident from the context, esp. something manufactured or…

slang. Anything excellent or first-rate.

figurative. Something likened to champagne in being excellent or exhilarating.

colloquial. An exceptionally good, impressive, or (ironically) egregious example of something. Also in a beauty of a —. Cf. beaut, n. 2.

colloquial (originally U.S.). Something very pleasant or pleasurable to deal with; something to be eagerly appropriated; a prize, a treat. Obsolete.

Anything very large or fine of its kind; a whacker. slang.

slang. Anything uncommon, extraordinary, or unusual, esp. unusually large or excellent.

Something that is exceptionally fine or splendid. Also, a person who is exceptionally skilful or expert.

The name of a mausoleum built at Agra by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife known as Mumtaz (Persian… figurative denoting that which is excellent or…

A beautiful or impressive thing or animal. Also: an outstanding or (ironically) egregious example of something (cf. beauty, n. 5d).

= purler, n. 2.

Something outstandingly good of its kind.

colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.). A formidable, powerful, or impressive thing; a remarkable or excellent example of its kind. Frequently with…

An impressive or excellent thing; an outstanding example of its kind. Now rare.

figurative. Something considered prestigious, venerable, or pre-eminent in a particular sphere (frequently with an accompanying sense of respect and…

With of. Any product considered to be the highest quality or best example of its type or field.

In plural. slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). the nuts: an excellent or first-rate person or thing; (Cards) an unbeatable hand.

A particularly remarkable or pleasing person or thing. Cf. pip, n.2 3, pippin, n. 3b.

something exceptionally fine; cf. bobby-dazzler, n.

An excellent person or thing.

An excellent person or thing. Also as adj. Cf. rumpty, adj. n.3

Excellent, very good, first-rate. Also as adv. and n.

Something with an overwhelming impact, a ‘smash’.

North American. Anything especially good of its kind. Cf. honey, n. 6a.

Something which is a remarkable, exciting, or excellent example of its kind. Frequently in a zinger of a ——.

Something of great quality.

A superb or excellent thing; a remarkable example of something.

A growth or vineyard that produces wine of a superior grade; the wine itself. Also in extended use and figurative. Cf. cru, n., growth, n.1 1d and…

North American colloquial. That which is smart or in good condition. Used esp. of cars. Cf. sharp, adj. 7a 1c; sharp, n.1 13.

U.K. slang. Something of surpassing size, vigour, or excellence.