n.
- an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green glossy leaves.
[Laurus and other genera, family Lauraceae.]
-
(laurels)
a crown woven from the foliage of the bay tree and awarded as an emblem of victory or mark of honour in classical times.
▸honour or praise.
v.
(laurels, laurelling, laurelled; US laurels, laureling, laureled)
adorn with or as if with a laurel.
Phrase
- look to one's laurels
be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival. - rest on one's laurels
be so satisfied with what one has already achieved that one makes no further effort.
Etymology
ME lorer, from OFr. lorier, from Provençal laurier, from earlier laur, from L. laurus.
