dṛṣṭānta: Example, simile.

Sarvastivada Abhidharma, Sanskrit-English Glossary, by Bhikkhu KL Dhammajoti

dṛṣṭânta m. (n. only R. ii, 109, 37) 'the end or aim of what is seen', example, paragon, standard, allegory, type MBh. R. &c. [Page 492, Column 1]
• instance, exemplification (rhet.)
• a Śāstra L.
• a partic. high number L.
• death L. (cf. diṣṭ○)
• -kalikā f. N. of wk
• -tas ind. as a standard or example or precedent MBh. ii, 70
• -vat mfn. containing examples or comparisons Jātakam.
• -śataka n. 'a hundred examples', N. of wk. MW.
• dṛṣṭântaya Nom. P. ○yati, to adduced as an example Hcat.
• ○ntita mfn. adduced as an example or comparison Sch. on Prab. vi, 12
 

Sanskrit-English Dictionary, by M. Monier William