Laureateship

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.