prize 1 
(prīz)
(prīz)n.
1.
a. Something offered or won as an award for superiority or victory, as in a contest or competition.
b. Something offered or won in a lottery or similar game of chance.
2. Something worth striving for; a highly desirable possession.
adj.
1. Offered or given as a prize: a prize cup.
2. Given a prize, or likely to win a prize: a prize cow.
3. Worthy of a prize; first-class: our prize azaleas.
tr.v. prized, priz·ing, priz·es
1. To value highly; esteem or treasure. See Synonyms at appreciate.
2. To estimate the worth of; evaluate.
[Alteration of Middle English pris, value, price, reward; see PRICE.]