guerdon

[ gur-dn ]

noun

1. a reward, recompense, or requital.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a guerdon to; reward.

guerdon

/ ˈɡɜːdən /

noun

1. a reward or payment

verb

1. tr to give a guerdon to

Derived Forms

• ˈguerdoner, noun

Other Words From

• guerdon·er noun
• guerdon·less adjective
• un·guerdoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guerdon¹

1325–75; Middle English < Old French, variant of werdoun < Medieval Latin widerdonum, alteration (probably by association with Latin dōnum gift) of Old High German widarlōn, equivalent to widar again, back + lōn reward; cognate with Old English witherlēan

Word History and Origins

Origin of guerdon¹

C14: from Old French gueredon, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German widarlōn, Old English witherlēan; final element influenced by Latin dōnum gift

Example Sentences

If the damsel smiled Once in seven years only, All their wanderings dreary Ample guerdon knew.

From Project Gutenberg

Should it be his sacred majesty's pleasure that I succeed Moley, a post of honour shall be the guerdon of your bravery.

From Project Gutenberg

With what face darest thou ask any guerdon beyond my sparing thy worthless life?

From Project Gutenberg

It ended in a summons to come to the stand and be acclaimed Beautye and receive Beautyes guerdon.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a slave who fought bravely with freedom before him as his guerdon then gained equality with his master in the grave.

From Project Gutenberg