COMPLIMENT, noun 1. An expression of civility, respect or regard; as, to send, or make ones compliments to an absent friend. In this application, the plural is always used. He observed few compliments in matter of arms. 2. A present or favor bestowed. My friend made me a compliment of Homers Iliad. COMPLIMENT, verb transitive 1. To praise; to flatter by expressions of approbation, esteem or respect. Monarchs-- Should compliment their foes, and shun their friends. She compliments Menelaus very handsomely. 2. To congratulate; as, to compliment a prince on the birth of a son. 3. To bestow a present; to manifest kindness or regard for, by a present or other favor. He complimented us with tickets for the exhibition. COMPLIMENT, verb intransitive To pass compliments; to use ceremony, or ceremonious language. I make the interlocutors upon occasion compliment with each other.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI