The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Flatter \Flat"ter\ (fl[a^]t"t[~e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Flattered; p. pr. & vb. n. Flattering.] [OE. flateren,
   cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel.
   fla[eth]ra to fawn, flatter: cf. F. flatter. Cf. Flitter,
   Flutter, Flattery.]
   1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or
      attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by
      artful and interested commendation or attentions; to
      blandish; to cajole; to wheedle.
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            When I tell him he hates flatterers,
            He says he does, being then most flattered. --Shak.
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            A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net
            for his feet.                         --Prov. xxix.
                                                  5.
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            Others he flattered by asking their advice.
                                                  --Prescott.
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   2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but
      sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
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   3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of;
      as, his portrait flatters him.
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