Compliment

n. [Fr. compliment, from O. Fr. & Pr. complier, to fulfill, perform, a duty, civility, from Lat. complēre; It. complimento, Sp. cumplimiento. See COMPLETE, v. t.] A manifestation, by word or act, of approbation, regard, or admiration; delicate flattery; as, to send one's compliments to a friend. Tedious waste of time to sit and hear So many hollow compliments. Milton. To stand on compliment, to treat with ceremony. Syn.—See ADULATION.

v. t. To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation. Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . By ignominious arts, for servile ends, Should compliment their foes and shun their friends. Prior. Syn. — To praise; flatter; adulate.