encomium
(ɛnˈkəʊmɪəm)
Pl. encomiums; also (now rarely) encomia. Also encomion.
[a. L. encōmium, ad. Gr. ἐγκώµιον (ἔπος) eulogy.]
A formal or high-flown expression of praise; a eulogy, panegyric.
| 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie i. xx. (Arb.) 58 The immortall gods were praised by hymnes, the great Princes and heroicke personages by ballades of praise called Encomia. 1613 Beaum. & Fl. Honest Man's Fort. iii. i, You..Should sing encomiums on't [marriage]. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 139. ¶3 If we consider this wonderful Person, it is Perplexity to know where to begin his Encomium. 1846 Dickens Old C. Shop xxx, He brought in the bread, cheese and beer, with many high encomiums upon their excellence. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 139 Many tales, and praises, and encomia of ancient famous men. |
† b. abstr. Obs. rare—1.
| 1784 Cowper Task vi. 715 Encomium in old times was poets' work. |