Emily Dickinson Lexicon

REC-OM-MEND-A'TION, n.

1. The act of recommending or of commending; the act of representing in a favorable manner for the purpose of procuring the notice, confidence or civilities of another. We introduce a friend to a stranger by a recommendation of his virtues or accomplishments.
2. That which procures a kind or favorable reception. The best recommendation of a man to favor is politeness. Misfortune is a recommendation to our pity.