lau·rel  (lôr'əl, lŏr'-) 
n. A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) having aromatic, simple leaves and small blackish berries. Also called bay5, bay laurel, sweet bay. A shrub or tree, such as the mountain laurel, having a similar aroma or leaf shape. A wreath of laurel conferred as a mark of honor in ancient times upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests. Often used in the plural. Honor and glory won for great achievement. Often used in the plural.
tr.v.
lau·reled also lau·relled, lau·rel·ing also lau·rel·ling, lau·rels also lau·rels
To crown with laurel. To honor, especially with an award or a prize.
[Middle English, from Old French laureole, from Latin laureola, diminutive of laurea, laurel tree; see laureate.] |
