encomium

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

encomium
    n 1: a formal expression of praise [syn: {encomium}, {eulogy},
         {panegyric}, {paean}, {pean}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Encomium \En*co"mi*um\, n.; pl. {Encomiums}. [NL., fr. Gr. ? (a
   song) chanted in a Bacchic festival in praise of the god; ?
   in + ? a jovial festivity, revel. See {Comedy}.]
   Warm or high praise; panegyric; strong commendation.
   [1913 Webster]

         His encomiums awakened all my ardor.     --W. Irving.

   Syn: See {Eulogy}.
        [1913 Webster]

from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

18 Moby Thesaurus words for "encomium":
      acclaim, acclamation, accolade, applause, approval, citation,
      commendation, compliment, eulogy, kudos, laud, laudation,
      magnification, panegyric, plaudits, praise, salutation, tribute

[email protected]