A university degree at the undergraduate level, typically awarded after four years of study; also refers to the academic ceremony itself or preparatory education for it.
From medieval Latin 'baccalaureus,' combining 'bacca' (possibly meaning berry, signifying youth) and 'laureatus' (crowned with laurel, signifying honor). The full word entered English in the 14th century referring to academic ranks.
The baccalaureate ceremony—where students get blessed before graduation in some traditions—literally has 'laurel' in its roots, going back to when Romans crowned winners with actual laurel leaves, and we still treat it like a victory.
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