'laudation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'laudatio', where 'laud-' meant 'praise' (from the verb 'laudare' meaning 'to praise').

'laudation' changed from the Latin word 'laudatio' and passed through Medieval Latin/Old French forms such as 'laudacion' before becoming the modern English 'laudation' via Middle English.

Initially it meant 'an act of praising' or 'a praising speech', and over time it has remained largely the same in meaning as 'an expression or instance of praise'.