Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Poets Laureate

appointed by letters patent.

The following are sometimes included, though not appointed by letters patent:—Chaucer, Gower, John Key, Bernard, Skelton, Rob. Whittington, Richard Edwards, Spenser, and Sam. Daniel.

(!) Five of the fourteen known only by their names. Three others quite third-rate poets. The remaining five were distinguished men.

A poet laureate is one who has received a laurel crown. There were at one time “doctors laureate,” “bachelors laureate,” etc.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Poetaster
Poets' Corner
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Poets Laureate from Fact Monster:

  • poet laureate - poet laureate poet laureate , title conferred in Britain by the monarch on a poet whose duty it is ...
  • Kay Ryan - Biography of Kay Ryan, The 16th Poet Laureate consultant to the Library of Congress
  • National Poetry Month - From Ashbery to Wordsworth, haiku to epic, anapest to terza rima
  • Harry Potter Haiku - Harry Potter Haiku by Holly Hartman FROM THE FACTMONSTER: Monster gets the mail likes to read funny ...
  • Carol Ann Duffy - Biography of Carol Ann Duffy, The first female poet laureate in British history

Related Content