Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
LAUREL
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English lorel, in part from Medieval Latin laureola spurge laurel (from Latin, laurel sprig), in part modification of Anglo-French lorer, from Old French lor laurel, from Latin laurus
Date: 14th century
an evergreen shrub or tree ( Laurus nobilis of the family Lauraceae, the laurel family) of southern Europe with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries, and evergreen foliage once used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games, a tree or shrub that resembles the true laurel,
3. a crown of laurel awarded as an honor, a recognition of achievement ; honor ,
II. transitive verb (-reled or -relled; -reling or -relling)
Date: 1631
to deck or crown with laurel