Eulogies

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Eulogy \Eu"lo*gy\, n.; pl. {Eulogies}. [Gr. ?, from ? well
     speaking; e'y^ well + ? to speak. Cf. {Eulogium}, and see
     {Legend}.]
     A speech or writing in commendation of the character or
     services of a person; as, a fitting eulogy to worth.
     [1913 Webster]


  
           Eulogies turn into elegies.              --Spenser.
  
     Syn: Encomium; praise; panegyric; applause.
  
     Usage: {Eulogy}, {Eulogium}, {Encomium}, {Panegyric}. The
            idea of praise is common to all these words. The word
            encomium is used of both persons and things which are
            the result of human action, and denotes warm praise.
            Eulogium and eulogy apply only to persons and are more
            studied and of greater length. A panegyric was
            originally a set speech in a full assembly of the
            people, and hence denotes a more formal eulogy,
            couched in terms of warm and continuous praise,
            especially as to personal character. We may bestow
            encomiums on any work of art, on production of genius,
            without reference to the performer; we bestow
            eulogies, or pronounce a eulogium, upon some
            individual distinguished for his merit public
            services; we pronounce a panegyric before an assembly
            gathered for the occasion.
            [1913 Webster]