a. [f. COMPLIMENT + -ARY.] Expressive of, or conveying, compliment; of the nature of a compliment.
[1628–57. see COMPLEMENTARY A. 2.]
1716. M. Davies, Ath. Brit., Hist. Oxf. & Camb., 52. Their pretended Friends … accidental or complimentary Expressions.
1759. Hurd, Dial., i. I made complimentary verses on the great lords and ladies of the court.
1841. D’Israeli, Amen. Lit. (1867), 457. That formal complimentary style, borrowed from the Italians.
1880. L. Stephen, Pope, iv. 85. Pope’s references to his Sovereign were not complimentary.
Mod. They have received complimentary tickets for the entertainment.
b. Of persons: Using compliment.
1880. ‘Ouida,’ Moths, I. 179. I cannot say that she is complimentary.
