Paragon is a traditional name for a metal type size measuring exactly 20 points in the American point system. Before the widespread adoption of standardized numerical point sizes, foundries used names like this to designate specific body sizes. It sits slightly larger than great primer and smaller than double pica.
Heard on the job
I want the chapter headings set in paragon, but keep the body copy at pica.
Insider tip
Since 20-point type is less common in everyday layouts, which usually jump from 18 directly to 24 points, the term is mostly heard among traditional letterpress printers.