ˈakəˌlād, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ also -äd or -ȧd noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from accoler to embrace (from — assumed — Vulgar Latin accollare, from Latin ad- + collum neck) + -ade — more at collar
1. : a gesture of greeting ; especially : a ceremonial embrace and kiss on both cheeks
seized me by the hand and, drawing me toward him, gave me the accolade — Frederick O'Brien
2.
a. : a ceremony to mark the conferring of knighthood consisting of an embrace, a kiss, or a tap on each shoulder with the flat of a sword
b. : a ceremony marking the recognition of special merit, distinction, or achievement
3.
a. : a mark of acknowledgment
effectively cut short his chances of promotion and the ultimate accolade which might have been his — James Leasor
b. : award
the Iffland Ring, the highest accolade of the German theater — Americana Annual
c. : a bestowal of praise
receive the accolade of the newspapers
4. : a molding in the shape of an ogee arch above a door or window
5. : a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous instrumental or voice parts