A man among men

Posted by Saxon on December 01, 2006

A man among men.

We have been having a debate about wether this means
1. unexceptional, common, like all others, ordinary
2. a superior example of one in a class

We have found examples of both uses. Does anyone know where this term originated and what it meant when first used?

• A man among men Smokey Stover 02/December/06
  • A man among men ESC 02/December/06