Definitions
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a compliment as “a ceremonial act or expression as a tribute of courtesy, ‘usually understood to mean less than it declares’ (J.); now, esp. a neatly-turned remark addressed to any one, implying or involving praise; but, also applied to a polite expression of praise or commendation in speaking of a person, or to any act taken as equivalent thereto.”
This covers several types of compliments that I want to distinguish. I propose the following names for them: