Laureate

Part of speech: noun (n.)

One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. "A learned laureate." Cleveland.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To honor with a wreath of laurel, as formerly was done in bestowing a degree at the English universities.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Crowned, or decked, with laurel. Chaucer. To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid lies. Milton. Soft on her lap her laureate son reclines. Pope. 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.]