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]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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

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