laurier

le laurier (FR N-M) laurel tree (Lauracea); wreaths traditionally formed of the leaves of this tree, adorning victors in athletic or other contests. Laurel leaves were chewed by the priestesses of Apollo at Delphi, for their supposed effect on one's inspiration. In the »language of flowers,« the laurel flower symbolizes ambition. First appears in French in the 12th century, (1080) lorier, from OF lor, Latin laurus. (Brimont, Loüys, Ronsard)