lau·re·ate 
(lôrē-ĭt, lŏr-)
(lôrē-ĭt, lŏr-)adj.
1. Worthy of the greatest honor or distinction: "The nation's pediatrician laureate is preparing to lay down his black bag" (James Traub).
2. Crowned or decked with laurel as a mark of honor.
3. Archaic Made of laurel sprigs, as a wreath or crown.
n.
1. One honored or awarded a prize for great achievements especially in the arts or sciences: a Nobel laureate.
2. A poet laureate.
[Middle English, from Latin laureātus, adorned with laurel, from laurea, crown of laurel, from feminine of laureus, of laurel, from laurus, laurel.]
laure·ate·ship′ n.