Prototype, n.
Etymology: [F., from L. prototypus original, primitive, Gr. 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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for prototype; he lists it under example, ideal, model.
Where he writes about it:
An example, however, may be more than a sample or specimen of any class; it may be the very archetype or prototype to which the whole class must conform, as when Christ is spoken of as being an example or leaving an example for his disciples. — from example
The archetype is the primal form, actual or imaginary, according to which any existing thing is constructed; the prototype has or has had actual existence; in the derived sense, as in metrology, a prototype may not be the original form, but one having equal authority with that as a standard. — from ideal