ˈlɔrəl 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. ølook 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. [ME lorer f. OF lorier f. Prov. laurier f. laur f. L laurus]