flatter

Webster's Dictionary (1913)

1. One who, or that which, makes flat or flattens.

2. Metal Working (a) A flat-faced fulling hammer. (b) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.

Origin: OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. flaðra 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.

When I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he does, being then most flattered.— William Shakespeare

A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet.— Prov. xxix. 5.

Others he flattered by asking their advice.— William Hickling Prescott

2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.

3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.

To use flattery or insincere praise.

If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure.— John Milton

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54