n. [ F., from L. prototypus original, primitive, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;; &unr_; first + &unr_; type, model. See Proto-, and Type ] An original or model after which anything is copied; the pattern of anything to be engraved, or otherwise copied, cast, or the like; a primary form; exemplar; archetype. [ 1913 Webster ]
They will turn their backs on it, like their great precursor and prototype. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]