flower of the flock

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flower of the flock (plural flowers of the flock)

1. (idiomatic, archaic) Something exceedingly good or the best of its type.
   • 1903, Samuel Butler, The Way of All Flesh:

     None of the Pontifexes were deficient in good looks; they were a well-grown shapely family enough, but Alethea was the flower of the flock even as regards good looks, while in respect of all other qualities that make a woman lovable, it seemed as though the stock that had been intended for the three daughters