The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Commendation \Com`men*da"tion\, n. [L. commendatio.]
   1. The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in
      words; recommendation.
      [1913 Webster]

            Need we . . . epistles of commendation? --2 Cor.
                                                  iii. 1.
      [1913 Webster]

            By the commendation of the great officers. --Bacon.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which is the ground of approbation or praise.
      [1913 Webster]

            Good nature is the most godlike commendation of a
            man.                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. pl. A message of affection or respect; compliments;
      greeting. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Hark you, Margaret;
            No princely commendations to my king? --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

commendation
    n 1: an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given
         as formal public statement [syn: citation,
         commendation]
    2: a message expressing a favorable opinion; "words of approval
       seldom passed his lips" [syn: approval, commendation]
       [ant: disapproval]

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

COMMENDATION, n.  The tribute that we pay to achievements that
resembles, but do not equal, our own.