Com"pli*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.
© Webster 1913.
Com"pli*ment (?), 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.