guerdon

Definition

A reward, prize or recompense for a service; an accolade.

Etymology

From Middle English guerdon, guerdoun, gardone, from Old French guerdon, guerredon, guarredon, werdon, from Medieval Latin widerdōnum, alteration of widerlōnum, from West Germanic (whence Old High German widarlōn, Old English wiþerlēan), literally ‘back-payment’, with the second element assimilated to Latin dōnum (“gift”).

Example Sentences

• "For would she of her gentlenesse, Withouten more, me ones kesse, It were to me a great guerdoon. Release of all my passion […]"
• "Is this the guerdon wherewithall ye quite my fruitfulnesse? Is this the honor that ye gave for my plenteousnesse And dutie done with true intent?"
• "Done to death by slanderous tongues Was the Hero that here lies: Death, in guerdon of her wrongs, Gives her fame which never dies."