n. & v.
--n.
1. BAY(2).
2 a (in sing. or pl.) the foliage of the bay-tree used as an emblem of victory or distinction in poetry usu. formed into a wreath or crown. b (in pl.) honour or distinction.
3 any plant with dark-green glossy leaves like a bay-tree, e.g. cherry-laurel, mountain laurel, spurge laurel.
--v.tr. (laurelled, laurelling; US laureled, laureling) wreathe with laurel.
Phrases and idioms:
look to one's laurels beware of losing one's pre-eminence. rest on one's laurels be satisfied with what one has done and not seek further success.
Etymology: ME lorer f. OF lorier f. Prov. laurier f. laur f. L laurus