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

Money, membership in an elite club, and the certainty of having spelled better than the rest: these are the guerdons of Scripps and the honors of knowing your argot.

From The Guardian

Children of Indian origin have had a stunning run in the nationally televised contest, nailing words such as "guerdon," "stromuhr" and "guetapens" to win 10 times in the last 15 years.

From Reuters

To snag the top guerdon at a fake National Spelling Bee, Guy relies on his photographic memory and a certain prospicience about the vulnerabilities of spelling prodigies.

From Time

He knew that he would receive a thumping tip as guerdon for his extra pains.

From Project Gutenberg

"But I shall see you again, young sir, I trust?" said Woodville; "I owe you guerdon, as well as thanks and deep gratitude."

From Project Gutenberg