The proper number of men employed in any ship, either for navigation or battle. In navigation the complement of the course is what it wants of eight points; of latitude, what it is short of 90°. (See co-latitude.)
·vt A <<Compliment>>. II. Complement ·vt To <<Compliment>>. III. Complement ·vt The whole working ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
See supplement of longitude. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book