An award or privilege granted as a special honor; an expression of praise or approval. Often refers to formal recognition of achievement or merit.
From French 'accolade', originally meaning the ceremonial embrace or tap on the shoulder when knighting someone. From Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'collum' (neck), referring to the neck embrace in the ceremony.
Think of the neck ('coll-') ceremony when knights were honored - an accolade is still that ceremonial recognition! The 'ac-' suggests you're being brought 'to' honor.
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