LAUREATE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, crowned with laurel as a distinction, from Latin laureatus, from laurea laurel wreath, from feminine of laureus of laurel, from laurus Date: circa 1529 the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science, ~ adjective ~ship noun II. transitive verb (-ated; -ating) Date: circa 1610 to crown with or as if with a laurel wreath for excellence or achievement, to appoint to the office of poet ~, laureation noun