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, and would have been about sufficient for them, had all been allotted to herself, her sisters getting none, and she all.