Pro″to‐type (?), n. [F., from L. prototypus original, primitive, Gr. �, �; � first + � 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.
They will turn their backs on it, like their great precursor and prototype. Burke.