The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gratulation \Grat"u*la"tion\, n. [L. gratulatio.] The act of gratulating or felicitating; congratulation.
I shall turn my wishes into gratulations.
--South.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
late 15c., gratulacyon "expression of thanks," from Latin gratulationem (nominative gratulatio) "a manifestation of joy, wishing joy, rejoicing," from past participle stem of gratulari "give thanks, show joy," from gratus "agreeable" (see grace (n.)).
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context now rare English) A feeling of happiness and satisfaction; joy, especially at one's good fortune. 2 (context archaic English) The expression of pleasure at someone's else's success or luck; congratulation.
Usage examples of "gratulation".
The movements by State action for emancipation in several of the States not included in the emancipation proclamation are matters of profound gratulation.
Nesta's promising soprano, and her mother's contralto, and his baritone --a true baritone, not so well trained as their accurate notes--should be rising in spirited union with the curtain of that secret: there was matter for song and concert, triumph and gratulation in it.