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Webster 1913 Edition

Compliment

Com′pli-ment

,
Noun.
[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.
Syn. – See
Adulation
.

Com′pli-ment

,
Verb.
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

,
Verb.
I.
To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
I make the interlocutors, upon occasion,
compliment
with one another.
Boyle.

Webster 1828 Edition

Compliment

COMPLIMENT

, n.
1.
An expression of civility, respect or regard; as, to send, or make ones compliments to an absent friend. In this application, the plural is always used.
He observed few compliments in matter of arms.
2.
A present or favor bestowed. My friend made me a compliment of Homers Iliad.

COMPLIMENT

, v.t.
1.
To praise; to flatter by expressions of approbation, esteem or respect.
Monarchs--
Should compliment their foes, and shun their friends.
She compliments Menelaus very handsomely.
2.
To congratulate; as, to compliment a prince on the birth of a son.
3.
To bestow a present; to manifest kindness or regard for, by a present or other favor.
He complimented us with tickets for the exhibition.

COMPLIMENT

,
Verb.
I.
To pass compliments; to use ceremony, or ceremonious language.
I make the interlocutors upon occasion compliment with each other.

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