laurel

I. noun Etymology: Middle English lorel, in part from Medieval Latin laureola spurge laurel (from Latin, laurel sprig), in part modification of Anglo-French lorer, from Old French lor laurel, from Latin laurus Date: 14th century 1. an evergreen shrub or tree (Laurus nobilis of the family Lauraceae, the laurel family) of southern Europe with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries, and evergreen foliage once used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games — called also bay, sweet bay 2. a tree or shrub that resembles the true laurel; especially mountain laurel 3. a. a crown of laurel awarded as an honor b. a recognition of achievement ; honor — usually used in plural II. transitive verb (-reled or -relled; -reling or -relling) Date: 1631 to deck or crown with laurel