Fame, n.
Etymology: [OF. fame, L. fama, fr. fari to speak, akin to Gr. Ban, and cf. Fable, Fate, Euphony, Blame.]
1. Public report or rumor. The fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house. Gen. xlv. 16.
2. Report or opinion generally diffused; renown; public estimation; celebrity, either favorable or unfavorable; as, the fame of Washington. I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited. Shak.
Syn. -- Notoriety; celebrity; renown; reputation.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Fame, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Famed,; p. pr. & vb. n. Faming.]
1. To report widely or honorably. The field where thou art famed To have wrought such wonders. Milton.
2. To make famous or renowned. Those Hesperian gardens famed of old. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fame is the widely disseminated report of a person's character, deeds, or abilities, and is oftenest used in the favorable sense. Reputation and repute are more limited than fame, and may be either good or bad. Notoriety is evil repute or a dishonorable counterfeit of fame. Eminence and distinction may result from rank, station, or character. Celebrity is limited in range; we speak of local celebrity, or world-wide fame. Fame in its best sense may be defined as the applause of numbers; renown, as such applause worthily won; we speak of the conqueror's fame, the patriot's renown. Glory and honor are of good import; honor may be given for qualities or acts that should not win it, but it is always given as something good and worthy; we can speak of an evil fame, but not of evil honor; glory has a more exalted and often a sacred sense.