'praise-winning' is a Modern English compound formed from 'praise' + 'winning'. 'praise' comes via Old French (e.g. 'preis', 'preiser') ultimately from Latin 'pretium' meaning 'price, value'; 'win' derives from Old English 'winnan' meaning 'to strive for, to gain.'

'praise' entered Middle English from Old French 'preis'/'preiser' and developed into Middle English 'preisen' before becoming modern English 'praise'. 'win' comes from Old English 'winnan' → Middle English 'winnen' → modern 'win'. The compound 'praise-winning' was formed in Modern English by combining these elements.

Originally, 'praise' was related to 'value' and later came to mean 'express approval'; 'win' originally meant to struggle for or obtain something. Together the compound evolved to mean 'able to earn praise' or 'deserving praise.'