Compliment

Com′pli·ment (kŏm′plĭ·ment), n. [F. compliment. It complimento, fr. comlire to compliment, finish, suit, fr. L. complere to fill up. See Complete, and cf. Complement.] An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting; as, to send one's compliments to a friend.

Tedious waste of time, to sit and hear So many hollow compliments and lies. Milton.

Many a compliment politely penned. Cowper.

To make one a compliment, to show one respect; to praise one in a flattering way. Locke. — To make one's compliments to, to offer formal courtesies to. — To stand on compliment, to treat with ceremony.

Syn. — See Adulation.

Com′pli·ment (kŏm′plĭ·mĕnt), v. t. To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.

Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . Should compliment their foes and shun their friends. Prior.

Syn. — To praise; flatter; adulate; commend.

Com′pli·ment, v. i. To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.

I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another. Boyle.