Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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.

Source : WordNet®

medal
     n : an award for winning a championship or commemorating some
         other event [syn: {decoration}, {laurel wreath}, {medallion},
          {palm}, {ribbon}]
     [also: {medalling}, {medalled}]