\Lau"re*ate\, a. [L. laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree,
fr. laureus of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. laur['e]at.
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.]

\Lau"re*ate\, n.
One crowned with laurel; a poet laureate. ``A learned
laureate.'' --Cleveland.

\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.