compliment

Definitions

1. 1.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 courtesias to. -- To stand on compliment, to treat with ceremony.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect. I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another. Boyle.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "compliment" mean?
• What is another word for "compliment"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is compliment.

• What is to pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect. I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another. Boyle called?