Definition

Noun: 1. A wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory: A circular ornament made from the leaves of the bay laurel tree, traditionally worn on the head in ancient times to symbolize triumph, honor, or high achievement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In ancient Rome, a triumphant general would be crowned with a bay wreath.
  • The poet was honored with a bay wreath for winning the competition.
  • The statue depicts the emperor wearing a bay wreath.

Advanced Usage

• "To crown someone with a bay wreath": To bestow the highest honor or recognition upon someone, often for intellectual or artistic achievement, drawing from the ancient tradition.
  • The academic community sought to crown the pioneering researcher with a figurative bay wreath.

Variants and Related Words

• Laurel wreath: A direct synonym for bay wreath, as the leaves used are from the laurel tree ().
• Victory wreath: A more general term for a wreath awarded for a win or triumph.
• Corona triumphalis: The Latin term for the triumphal crown or wreath.

Synonyms

• Laurel wreath
• Laurel crown
• Chaplet of laurel

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To rest on one's laurels": To be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to achieve new things. This idiom originates from the practice of receiving laurel wreaths (bay wreaths) for victory.
  • After winning the championship, the team was careful not to rest on its laurels.
• "To look to one's laurels": To be careful not to lose one's leading position to rivals.
  • The new, innovative company is causing the industry leader to look to its laurels.

Noun

1. (antiquity) a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory