compliment

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. An expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation.
2. n. A formal act of civility, courtesy, or respect.
3. n. Good wishes; regards: Extend my compliments to your parents. See Usage Note at complement.
4. v. To pay a compliment to.
5. v. To show fondness, regard, or respect for by giving a gift or performing a favor.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A formal act or expression of civility, respect, or regard: as, the compliments of the season; to present one's compliments.
2. n. An expression of praise, commendation, or admiration: as, he paid you a high compliment within my hearing.
3. n. Flattery; polite, especially insincere, praise or commendation.
4. n. A present or favor bestowed; a gift.
5. To pay a compliment to; flatter or gratify by expressions of approbation, admiration, esteem, or respect, or by acts implying these feelings: as, to compliment a man on his personal appearance.
6. To give complimentary congratulations to; felicitate: as, to compliment a prince on the birth of a son.
7. To manifest kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor: as, he complimented us with tickets for the exhibition. Synonyms To praise, commend.
8. To pass compliments; use ceremony or ceremonious language.

Wiktionary

1. n. An expression of praise, congratulation, encouragement, or respect.
2. n. uncountable Complimentary language; courtesy, flattery.
3. n. common misspelling of complement.
4. v. intransitive To pay a compliment; to express a favorable opinion.
5. v. common misspelling of complement.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting.
2. v. To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
3. v. To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.

WordNet 3.0

1. v. say something to someone that expresses praise
2. n. a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
3. v. express respect or esteem for