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accolade

Syllabification: (ac·co·lade)

Pronunciation: /ˈakəˌlād, -ˌläd/

Translate accolade | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of accolade

noun

1an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit:the ultimate official accolade of a visit by the president
an expression of praise or admiration.

2a touch on a person’s shoulders with a sword at the bestowing of a 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'