accolade
/ˈakəleɪd
/ /ˌakəˈleɪd /noun
1An award or privilege granted as a special honour or as an acknowledgement of merit: the hotel has won numerous accolades...
- This film, besides winning numerous European awards and accolades, is the highest-grossing German film in that country's history.
- His award and accolades must be numerous, though I can't name any.
- As a special Andy received numerous accolades and awards, including an MBE in 2001, for services to Gloucestershire's special constabulary.
Synonyms
honour, recognition, privilege, award, gift, title;
prize, laurels, bays, palm
1.1An expression of praise or admiration: poignant accolades and urgent testimonials of thanks...
- He never puts himself forward for any praise or accolades but just drifts on, season after season, one of the most consistent performers in the game.
- Students and teachers are to be complimented and praised, with special accolades to Paula Gardiner, NCTM, for organizing this event.
- I am not writing this letter looking for praise or accolades for my efforts.
Synonyms
tribute, commendation, acclaim, applause, ovation, acclamation, approval, admiration, approbation, testimonial, praise, welcome, flattery, kudos, adulation, homage, compliment, pat on the back, eulogy, encomium, panegyric;
cheers, salutes, plaudits, congratulations, bouquets
informal rave
rare extolment, laudation, eulogium
2A touch on a person’s shoulders with a sword at the bestowing of a knighthood.Knighthood was conferred by the overlord with the accolade....
- A squire could also be knighted on the battlefield, in which a lord simply performed the accolade.
- The Accolade was a ceremony anciently used in conferring knighthood.
Origin
Early 17th century: from French, from Provençal acolada, literally 'embrace around the neck (when bestowing knighthood)', from Latin ad- 'at, to' + collum 'neck'.
The Provençal word acolada is the source of accolade. This literally meant an embrace or a clasping around the neck, and described the gesture of a friendly hug that was sometimes made when knighting someone, as an early alternative to a stroke on the shoulder with the flat of a sword. The ultimate root of the Provençal word is Latin collum ‘neck’, from which we also get collar (Middle English).