late 14c., from O.Fr. lauder, from L. laudere "to praise," from laus (gen. laudis) "praise, fame glory." Cognate with O.E. leoš "song, poem, hymn," from P.Gmc. *leuthan (cf. O.N. ljoš "strophe," Ger. Lied "song," Goth. liužon "to praise"). Lauds (mid-14c., from O.Fr.) is the morning Church service in which psalms of praise to God (Psalms 148-150) are sung. Laudable first recorded early 15c.