Lau"re*ate (?), 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.
Lau"re*ate , n. One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. "A learned laureate."
Cleveland.
Lau"re*ate (?), 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.
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.]
Hear it pronounced