:b : the [[quantity]], [[number]], or assortment required to make a [[thing]] complete <the usual complement of eyes and ears — Francis Parkman>; especially : the whole [[force]] or personnel of a ship | :b : the [[quantity]], [[number]], or assortment required to make a [[thing]] complete <the usual complement of eyes and ears — Francis Parkman>; especially : the whole [[force]] or personnel of a ship |