Laurel

law'rel, n. A flowering shrub or tree of several genera and many species: the Laurus nobilis, sweet bay, with which heroes, poets, and scholars were formerly crowned, is an evergreen shrub Africa and Europe, with aromatic leaves and purple berries: the mountain laurel, sheep laurel, and swamp laurel are handsome but poisonous species kalmia. (pi.) A laurel crown; honors. — Lau'reate, -re-at, a. Decked or invested with laurel. — Poet laureate. In Eng., an officer of the royal household, orig. retained to compose odes for the king's birthday and other state occasions.