Compliment \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Compliment \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Compliment \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)