lau·rel (lôr'əl, lŏr'-)
n.

1. A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) having aromatic, simple leaves and small blackish berries. Also called bay, bay laurel, Also called sweet bay.
2. A shrub or tree, such as the mountain laurel, having a similar aroma or leaf shape.
3. 1. A wreath of laurel conferred as a mark of honor in ancient times upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests. Often used in the plural.
   2. Honor and glory won for great achievement. Often used in the plural.

tr.v., -reled, also -relled, -rel·ing, -rel·ling, -rels, -rels.

1. To crown with laurel.
2. To honor, especially with an award or a prize.

idiom:

rest on (one's) laurels

1. To rely on one's past achievements instead of working to maintain or advance one's status or reputation.

[Middle English, from Old French laureole, from Latin laureola, diminutive of laurea, laurel tree. See laureate.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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