Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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

   Syn: See {Eulogy}.

Source : WordNet®

encomium
     n : a formal expression of praise [syn: {eulogy}, {panegyric}, {paean},
          {pean}]
     [also: {encomia} (pl)]