laurels

lau·rel  (lôrl, lr-)

n.

1. A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) having aromatic, simple leaves and small blackish berries. Also called bay⁵, bay laurel, sweet bay.

2. A shrub or tree, such as the mountain laurel, having a similar aroma or leaf shape.

3.

a. 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.

b. 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

1. To crown with laurel.

2. To honor, especially with an award or a prize.

Idiom:

rest on (one's) laurels

To rely on one's past achievements instead of working to maintain or advance one's status or reputation.

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[Middle English, from Old French laureole, from Latin laureola, diminutive of laurea, laurel tree; see laureate.]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	laurels - a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; "an award for bravery" accolade, honor, honour, award trophy, prize - something given as a token of victory aliyah - (Judaism) the honor of being called up to the reading desk in the synagogue to read from the Torah; "he was called on for an aliyah" academic degree, degree - an award conferred by a college or university signifying that the recipient has satisfactorily completed a course of study; "he earned his degree at Princeton summa cum laude" pennant, crown - the award given to the champion cachet, seal of approval, seal - an indication of approved or superior status citation, commendation - an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement honorable mention, mention - an official recognition of merit; "although he didn't win the prize he did get special mention" varsity letter, letter - an award earned by participation in a school sport; "he won letters in three sports" laurel wreath, medal, decoration, ribbon, medallion, palm - an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event trophy - an award for success in war or hunting symbol - an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance Emmy - an annual award by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements in television Nobel prize - an annual award for outstanding contributions to chemistry or physics or physiology and medicine or literature or economics or peace Academy Award, Oscar - an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance Prix de Rome - an annual prize awarded by the French government in a competition of painters and artists and sculptors and musicians and architects; the winner in each category receives support for a period of study in Rome Prix Goncourt - an award given annually for contributions to French literature
	2.	laurels - the state of being honored honour, honor standing - social or financial or professional status or reputation; "of equal standing"; "a member in good standing" glorification, glory - a state of high honor; "he valued glory above life itself" fame, renown, celebrity - the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed esteem, respect, regard - the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded); "it is held in esteem"; "a man who has earned high regard" reputation, repute - the state of being held in high esteem and honor