1845, "stamped onto a medal," from medal (n.). From 1857 as "to award (someone or something) a medal;" intransitive sense is 20c. Related: Medaled; medalled; medaling; medalling.

1580s, from Middle French médaille (15c.), from Italian medaglia "a medal," according to OED from Vulgar Latin *metallea (moneta) "metal (coin)," from Latin metallum (see metal). T [..]

metal decoration, often inscribed with words or symbols, worn to honor an event or achievement.

Small pieces of metal, usually gold, silver, or bronze, bearing a relief design on one or both sides and having a commemorative purpose; not used as a medium of exchange. Medals may also be created to [..]

decoration: an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped or some wa [..]

a piece of metal like a coin or cross hanging on a ribbon. It is given as a reward for being very brave or very skilful

An embossed metal disc, cross or star struck to commemorate a particular event or service and awarded to individuals who become eligible for it or as a decoration or honour for distinguished military [..]

 a portrait in a locket.

a coin-like metallic item with a size of 1 ¾" or larger, although the term is commonly applied to  items regardless of their size.

To dream of medals, denotes honors gained by application and industry. To lose a medal, denotes misfortune through the unfaithfulness of others.   

(n) an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event

An award based on recognition of an outstanding academic record at Dalhousie for a specific degree program in a particular subject.

small piece of metal (usually gold silver or bronze) bearing a relief on one or both sides; unlike coins they are cast, not struck or stamped