Emily Dickinson Lexicon

complain (-ed, -ing, -s), v. [ME compleigne < Fr. complaindre, to manifest compassion, bewail < late. L. complang-ere, to strike, beat the breast or head in a sign of grief.] (webplay: pain).

State a grievance; murmur; grumble; lament.

complaint, n. [ME < Fr. complainte; see complain, v.]

Protestation; statement of grievance; representation of wrong suffered.

complement, n. [L. complementum, that which fills up or completes]

Partner; that which completes or balances.

completed, verbal adj. [mod. Fr. compléter < L. complere, to fill up, finish, fulfil.]

Finished; having all its parts or members; full; whole; realized in its full extent.

complexion, n. [Fr. < L. complexion-em, combination, connection, association, physical constitution or conformation.] (webplay: dark, fair).

The appearance of the face; facial qualities (usually referring to the color of skin).

complicate, adj. [L. complicare, to fold together.]

Intricate; complex; difficult.

compliment (-s), n. [Fr. < It. complimento, expression of respect and civility to another by words or acts; see complement, n.]

Gift; favor; freely bestowed service.

compliment (-s), v. [see compliment, n.]

Speak highly of; praise.

comply (complied), v. [L. complere, to fill up, fulfil, accomplish, complete.]

Obey; agree; fulfill; yield; act on request.

compose, v. [Fr. compose-r < late L. pausare, to cease, lie down.]

Create; form a compound by uniting elements.