The DICT Development Group

  Laurel \Lau"rel\, n. [OE. lorel, laurer, lorer, OF. lorier,
     laurier, F. laurier, (assumed) LL. Laurarius, fr. L. laurus.]
     1. (Bot.) An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus ({Laurus
        nobilis), having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape,
        with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their
        axils; -- called also sweet bay.
  
     Note: The fruit is a purple berry. It is found about the
           Mediterranean, and was early used by the ancient Greeks
           to crown the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later
           period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of
           laurel, with the fruit. The leaves and tree yield an
           aromatic oil, used to flavor the bay water of commerce.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The name is extended to other plants which in some
           respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; --
        especially in the plural; as, to win laurels.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because
        the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Laurel water, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the
        cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other
        products carried over in the process.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     American laurel, or Mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia;
        called also calico bush. See under Mountain.
  
     California laurel, Umbellularia Californica.
  
     Cherry laurel (in England called laurel). See under
        Cherry.
  
     Great+laurel,+the+rosebay+({Rhododendron+maximum">Great laurel, the rosebay ({Rhododendron maximum).
  
     Ground laurel, trailing arbutus.
  
     New Zealand laurel, the Laurelia Nov[ae] Zelandi[ae].
  
     Portugal laurel, the Prunus Lusitanica.
  
     Rose laurel, the oleander. See Oleander.
  
     Sheep laurel, a poisonous shrub, Kalmia angustifolia,
        smaller than the mountain laurel, and with smaller and
        redder flowers.
  
     Spurge laurel, Daphne Laureola.
  
     West Indian laurel, Prunus occidentalis.
        [1913 Webster]