Eu'lo-gy, n.

n. [Gr. εὐλογία, from εὔλογος, well speaking, from εὖ, well, and λέγειν, to speak; Fr. eulogie.] A speech or writing in commendation of the character or services of a person; as, a fitting eulogy to worth. “Eulogies turn into elegies.” Spenser.

Synonyms—Encomium; praise; panegyric; applause.—EULOGY, EULOGIUM, ENCOMIUM, PANEGYRIC. The idea of praise is common to all these words. The word encomium is used as to both persons and things, and denotes warm praise. Eulogium and eulogy apply only to persons, and are more studied and of greater length. A panegyric was originally a set speech in a full assembly of the people, and hence denotes a more formal eulogy, couched in terms of warm and continuous praise. We may bestow encomiums on any work of art, or production of genius, without reference to the performer; we bestow eulogies, or pronounce a eulogium, upon some individual distinguished for his merit or public services; we pronounce a panegyric either before an assembly, who are met for the occasion, or as the spontaneous expression of our feelings in our ordinary intercourse with others.