medal

Medal \Med"al\, n. [F. m['e]daille, It. medaglia, fr. L. metallum metal, through (assumed) LL. metalleus made of metal. See Metal, and cf. Mail a piece of money.] A piece of metal in the form of a coin, struck with a device, and intended to preserve the remembrance of a notable event or an illustrious person, or to serve as a reward. [1913 Webster]

Medal \Med"al\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Medaled, or Medalled; p. pr. & vb. n. Medaling or Medalling.] To honor or reward with a medal. "Medaled by the king." --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]

MEDAL, n. A small metal disk given as a reward for virtues, attainments or services more or less authentic. It is related of Bismark, who had been awarded a medal for gallantly rescuing a drowning person, that, being asked the meaning of the medal, he replied: "I save lives sometimes." And sometimes he didn't.