(in Britain) any of several special honours given to people as a reward for doing something good or serving the country. They include the ↑Order of Merit, the ↑Order of the Bath, the ↑Order of the British Empire, the ↑Order of the Garter, the ↑Order of the Thistle, the ↑Distinguished Service Order, the Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the Companions of Honour.
note at ↑honours
Useful english dictionary. 2012.