poet laureate en · NOUN
Meanings
-
A poet officially appointed by a government, often expected to compose poems for state occasions and other government events.
"Can you imagine, Louis, an Archbishop of Canterbury, or a Poet Laureate, or a Chancellor of the Exchequer being friendly—perhaps even dining—with the editor of The Times?" "Certainly; why not?"
1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
- (obsolete) One who received an honorable degree in grammar, including poetry and rhetoric, at the English universities; so called as being presented with a wreath of laurel.
- (UK, historical) An officer of the king's household, whose business was to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and other suitable occasions; now, a poet officially distinguished by such honorary title, the office being a sinecure.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| poets laureate | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| poet laureates | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Translations (8)
it poeta laureato (poet officially appointed by a government) · pl poeta-laureat (poet officially appointed by a government) · hu poeta laureatus (poet officially appointed by a government) · es poeta laureado (poet officially appointed by a government) · cs poeta laureatus (poet officially appointed by a government) · ru поэ́т-лауреа́т (poet officially appointed by a government) · fr poète lauréat (poet officially appointed by a government) · fr poète lauré (poet officially appointed by a government)