Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - encomium

 noun  (plural -miums; also encomia)  Etymology: Latin, from Greek enkomion, from en in + komos revel, celebration  Date: 1567 glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; also an expression of this Synonyms:  ~, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise. ~ implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing received ~s from literary critics. eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person delivered the eulogy at the funeral service. panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor. tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters. citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree earned a citation for bravery.