a. [f. COMPLIMENT sb. + -AL; practically an altered spelling of COMPLEMENTAL, after compliment.]
† 1. Of the nature of a form or ceremony; formal, ceremonial. Obs.
[1637–95. see COMPLEMENTAL 4.]
1686. F. Spence, trans. Varillas’ Ho. Medici, 370. The seven Cardinals … being there under a complimental confinement.
1703. in Four C. Eng. Lett., 142. At the distance, I see, by this complimental way of treatment, I still am, I shall not have time enough in this world to get to you.
2. Of the nature of a compliment or formal expression of courtesy; expressive of or implying compliments. arch. and dial.
[1603–1703. see COMPLEMENTAL 6.]
a. 1745. Swift, Wks. (1841), II. 237. The highest encomiums are to be looked upon as purely complimental.
1779. J. Moore, View Soc. Fr. (1789), I. x. 63. Their language abounds in complimental phrases.
1787. Burns, Cotter’s Sat. Nt., xi. The dame brings forth in complimental mood, To grace the lad, her weel-hain’d kebbuck.
1819. T. Hope, Anastasius (1831), II. 216. The complimental epistle.
† b. Of persons: Given to paying compliments.
[1653. Dorothy Osborne, Lett. (1888), 113. We are certainly the most Complementall Couple in England.]
a. 1720. Sheffield (Dk. Buckhm.), Wks. (1753), II. 213. Being complimental and cringing … passes with many for good breeding.
1766. Fordyce, Serm. Yng. Wom. (1767), II. ix. 76. It is your smooth, cool, complimental libertines.
Hence Complimentality nonce-wd.
1789. H. Walpole, Lett. Han. More, 9 Aug., in Lett. (1842), IV. 432. It looks as if you had a mind to keep me at due distance, by the great civility and cold complimentality of your letter; a style I flattered myself you had too much good will towards me to use.
