Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM'PLI-MENT, n. [Fr. id.; It. complimento; Sp. cumplimiento, completion, perfection, compliment; Port. comprimento, length, fulfillment; compliment, obliging words, from the verb comprir, to fulfill, to perform; Sp. cumplir; It. compiere; L. compleo. See Complete.]

1. An expression of civility, respect or regard; as, to send, or make one's compliments to an absent friend. In this application, the plural is always used. He observed few compliments in matter of arms. – Sidney.
2. A present or favor bestowed. My friend made me a compliment of Homer's Iliad.