encomiast

the word 'encomiast' is built upon the classical tradition of formal praise. its core, 'encomi-', derives from the greek 'enkomion', which originally referred to a song of praise sung in a festive procession ('komos'). the suffix '-ast', of greek origin, functions to denote a person who performs the associated action, much like in 'enthusiast' or 'gymnast'. thus, an encomiast is literally 'one who engages in praise', specifically the formal, public commendation characteristic of an encomium. the term entered english in the early 17th century, preserving its specialized sense of a composer or deliverer of laudatory orations.

Structure: encomi (praise) + ast (agent suffix) encomi: from latin 'encomium', from greek 'enkomion' (a eulogy, a speech of praise at a festival), from 'en' (in) + 'komos' (revel, festal procession). ast: a noun-forming suffix of greek origin (often via latin '-astes'), denoting an agent or person associated with a specific action or quality.