Flat"ter*y (?), n.; pl.
Flatteries (#). [OE. flaterie, OF.
flaterie, F. flaterie, fr. flater to flatter, F.
flatter; of uncertain origin. See Flatter, v.
t.] The act or practice of flattering; the act of
pleasing by artful commendation or compliments; adulation; false,
insincere, or excessive praise.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a
present.
Rambler.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the
giver.
Burke.
Syn. -- Adulation; compliment; obsequiousness. See
Adulation.