Laureate (?), a. [L. laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree, fr. laureus of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. lauréat. Cf. Laurel.] Crowned, or decked, with laurel. Chaucer.[1913 Webster]
To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid lies.
Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines.
Poet laureate. (b) One who received an honorable degree in grammar, including poetry and rhetoric, at the English universities; -- so called as being presented with a wreath of laurel. [Obs.] (b) Formerly, an officer of the king's household, whose business was to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and other suitable occasions; now, a poet officially distinguished by such honorary title, the office being a sinecure. It is said this title was first given in the time of Edward IV. [Eng.] (c) A poet who has been publicly recognized as the most pre-eminent poet of a country or region; as, the poet laureate of the United States.[1913 Webster +PJC]
Laureate, n. 1. One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. “A learned laureate.” Cleveland.[1913 Webster]
2. A person who has been presented with an award for some distinguished achievement; as, a Nobel laureate; the Pris de Rome laureate; the Music Director Laureate; the conductor laureate.[PJC]
Laureate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laureated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Laureating (?).] To honor with a wreath of laurel, as formerly was done in bestowing a degree at the English universities.[1913 Webster]