from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
{Lady paramount} (Archery), the lady making the best score.
{Lord paramount}, the king.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Syn. Superior; principal; preeminent; chief.
[1913 Webster]