Compromise | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Cŏm′pro-mĭse, n.

noun

n. [Fr. compromis, Lat. compromissum, from compromittere, to promise mutually to abide by the decision of an arbiter, from com, for con, and promittere, to promise; Pr. compromes, Sp. compromiso, It. compromesso, Pg. compromisso. See PROMISE.]

A mutual promise or engagement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators.
An amicable agreement between parties in controversy, to settle their differences by mutual concessions.

An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never-failing characteristic of religious factions. Hallam.

Cŏm'pro-mīse, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. COMPROMISED; p. pr. & vb. n. COMPROMISING.] [Lat. compromit-tere. See COMPROMIT.]

Sense 1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree; to accord. [Obs.]

Laban and himself were compromised. That all the yearlings who were streaked and pied Should fall as Jacob's hire. Shak.

Sense 2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.

The controversy may easily be compromised by this distinction. Fuller.

Sense 3. To pledge by some act or declaration; to commit; to put to hazard; to compromit. “To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances.” Motley.

Cŏm'pro-mīse, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To agree; to compound. [Obs.] Fuller.