Definition of laurel

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Laurel, Arthur Stanley Jefferson >

lau·rel    (lôrl, lr-) KEY 

NOUN:

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. 1. 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.
   2. Honor and glory won for great achievement. Often used in the plural.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
lau·reled, also lau·relled lau·rel·ing, lau·rel·ling lau·rels, 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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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French laureole, from Latin laureola, diminutive of laurea, laurel tree ; see laureate