\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} ({L.
   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.

Note: The name is extended to other plants which in some
      respect resemble the true laurel. See Phrases, below.

2. A crown of laurel; hence, honor; distinction; fame; --
   especially in the plural; as, to win laurels.

3. An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because
   the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.

{Laurel water}, water distilled from the fresh leaves of the
   cherry laurel, and containing prussic acid and other
   products carried over in the process.

{American laurel}, or {Mountain laurel}, {Kalmia latifolia}.
   See under {Mountain}.

{California laurel}, {Umbellularia Californica}.

{Cherry laurel} (in England called {laurel}). See under
   {Cherry}.

{Great laurel}, the rosebay ({Rhododendron maximum}).

{Ground laurel}, trailing arbutus.

{New Zealand laurel}, {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}.