flattery Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun excessive or insincere praise

WordNet


Flat"ter*y noun
Etymology
OE. flaterie, OF. flaterie, F. flaterie, fr. flater to flatter, F. flatter; of uncertain origin. See Flatter, v. t.
Wordforms
plural Flatteries
Definitions
  1. The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artiful 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.

Webster 1913