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Webster 1913 Edition

Compromise

Com′pro-mise

,
Noun.
[F.
compromis
, fr. L.
compromissum
a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter, fr.
compromittere
to make such a promise;
com-
+
promittere
to promise. See
Promise
.]
1.
A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators.
[Obs.]
Burrill.
2.
A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.
But basely yielded upon
compromise

That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
Shakespeare
All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on
compromise
and barter.
Burke.
An abhorrence of concession and
compromise
is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
Hallam.
3.
A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender;
as, a
compromise
of character or right
.
I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the
compromise
of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them.
Lamb.

Com′pro-mise

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Compromised
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Compromising
.]
[From
Compromise
,
Noun.
; cf.
Compromit
.]
1.
To bind by mutual agreement; to agree.
[Obs.]
Laban and himself were
compromised

That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied
Should fall as Jacob’s hire.
Shakespeare
2.
To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
The controversy may easily be
compromised
.
Fuller.
3.
To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion.
To pardon all who had been
compromised
in the late disturbances.
Motley.

Com′pro-mise

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To agree; to accord.
[Obs.]
2.
To make concession for conciliation and peace.

Webster 1828 Edition

Compromise

COMPROMISE

,
Noun.
[L. To give bond to stand to an award, to promise. See Promise.]
1.
A mutual promise or contract of two parties in controversy, to refer their differences to the decision of arbitrators.
2.
An amicable agreement between parties in controversy, to settle their differences by mutual concessions.
3.
Mutual agreement; adjustment.
[This is its usual signification.]

COMPROMISE

, v.t.
1.
To adjust and settle a difference by mutual agreement, with concessions of claims by the parties; to compound.
2.
To agree; to accord.
3.
To commit; to put to hazard; to pledge by some act or declaration.
[In this sense, see Compromit, which is generally used.]

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