LAUREATE

[lau.re.ate] n [ME, crowned with laurel as a distinction, fr. L laureatus, fr. laurea laurel wreath, fr. fem. of laureus of laurel, fr. laurus] (ca. 1529): the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science; specif: poet laureate -- laureate adj -- lau.re.ate.ship n

[2]lau.re.ate vt -at.ed ; -at.ing (ca. 1610) 1: to crown with or as if with a laurel wreath for excellence or achievement

2: to appoint to the office of poet laureate -- lau.re.ation n