laureate

lau·re·ate  (lôr-t, lr-)

adj.

1. Worthy of the greatest honor or distinction: "The nation's pediatrician laureate is preparing to lay down his black bag" (James Traub).

2. Crowned or decked with laurel as a mark of honor.

3. Archaic Made of laurel sprigs, as a wreath or crown.

n.

1. One honored or awarded a prize for great achievements especially in the arts or sciences: a Nobel laureate.

2. A poet laureate.

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[Middle English, from Latin lauretus, adorned with laurel, from laurea, crown of laurel, from feminine of laureus, of laurel, from laurus, laurel.]

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laure·ate·ship n.

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laureate [lor-ee-at]

Adjective

Literary crowned with laurel leaves as a sign of honour

Noun

short for poet laureate [Latin laurea laurel]

laureateship n

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laureate

a person who has been crowned with a laurel as a mark of distinc-tion, as a poet or scholar. — laureate, adj.

See also: Honors and Regalia

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	laureate - someone honored for great achievements; figuratively someone crowned with a laurel wreath honoree - a recipient of honors in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments Nobel Laureate, Nobelist - winner of a Nobel prize poet laureate - the poet officially appointed to the royal household in Great Britain; "the poet laureate is expected to provide poems for great national occasions"
Adj.	1.	laureate - worthy of the greatest honor or distinction; "The nation's pediatrician laureate is preparing to lay down his black bag"- James Traub honourable, honorable - worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect; "an honorable man"; "led an honorable life"; "honorable service to his country"