self-commendation

For it was not because he was defamed himself, but he stood up for his friend [776] that was abused, the occasion giving him a reasonable excuse for self-commendation.

Plutarch's Morals 46-120? Plutarch

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by the cowherd in the presence of the females, in words breathing courage, the prince indulging in self-commendation within the female apartments, spoke these words.'"

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 2 Books 4, 5, 6 and 7 Kisari Mohan [Translator] Ganguli

For in prosperity people seem to clutch as it were at glory and enjoy it, and so gratify their ambition; but in adversity, being far from ambition owing to circumstances, such self-commendation seems to be a bearing up and fortifying the spirit against fortune, and an avoidance altogether of that desire for pity and condolence, and that humility, which we often find in adversity.

Plutarch's Morals 46-120? Plutarch

To the truth of which self-commendation we bore good testimony.

The Argosy Vol. 51, No. 4, April, 1891 Various

"That is the best thing I ever did in my life," she said in self-commendation.

Her father`s daughter 1921

They who had not been entirely afraid (but merely careful and sneaky), all the barber-shop roués and millinery-parlor mondaines, how archly they were giggling (this second -- she could hear them at it); with what self-commendation they were cackling their suavest wit: "You can't tell me she ain't a gay bird; I'm wise!"

Main Street 1920

"That is the best thing I ever did in my life," she said in self-commendation.

Her Father's Daughter Gene Stratton-Porter 1893

It was a long time before she made any endeavour to justify herself; but the wide way ran through a country that delighted her, and her progress was so notable that self-commendation and the respect of others made her careless of the occasional stings of conscience.

The Emancipated George Gissing 1880

Fall not, however, into the common prevaricating way of self-commendation and boasting, by denoting the imperfections of others.

Christian Morals 1605-1682 1863

Following it out to blissful results, he had descried, without self-commendation, a fitness in it.

Little Dorrit Charles Dickens 1841