from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Compote \Com"pote\ (k[o^]m"p[=o]t), n. [F. See {Compost}.]
1. A preparation of fruit in sirup in such a manner as to
preserve its form, either whole, halved, or quartered; as,
a compote of pears. --Littr['e].
[1913 Webster]
2. a bowl-shaped dish having a stem, and a base smaller than
the bowl, used to serve compotes or other items, such as
candies, nuts, or fruit; a compote dish. Compotes may be
made of different materials, such as glass, porcelain, or
silver.
Syn: compote dish, compotier.
[PJC]