[noun of action f. prec.: see -ATION. Cf. F. félicitation.] The action of congratulating; an instance of the same; a congratulatory speech or message. Also attrib.
1709. Lond. Gaz., No. 4571/2. The … Empress came … to make her the Compliments of Fælicitation.
1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., 103. What must they have felt at being obliged, as a felicitation on the present new year, to request their captive king to forget the stormy period of the last, on account of the great good which he was likely to produce to his people?
1801. T. Jefferson, Writ. (1830), III. 464. I received two days ago your favor of the 16th, and thank you for your kind felicitations on my election: but whether it will be a subject of felicitation permanently, will be for chapters of future history to say.
1817. Bp. R. Watson, Anecd., I. 108. I did not … break in upon you, either with my acknowledgments or felicitations.
1860. W. Collins, Wom. White, II. vi. 211. Pray present my best respects and felicitations, when you mention this pleasant change of circumstances to Lady Glyde.
1882. Times, 4 March, 5. A number of felicitation cards have been left.
