accolade Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
    honour; honor; award; laurels.
    • an award for bravery

WordNet

Ac`co*lade" noun
Etymology
F. accolade, It. accolata, fr. accollare to embrace; L. ad + collum neck.
Definitions
  1. A ceremony formerly used in conferring knighthood, consisting am embrace, and a slight blow on the shoulders with the flat blade of a sword.
  2. (Mus.) A brace used to join two or more staves.

Webster 1913