Flat"ter (?), n.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Flat"ter (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flattering.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. flara 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.
Shak.
A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet.
Prov. xxix. 5.
Others he flattered by asking their advice.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Flat"ter, v. i.
To use flattery or insincere praise.
If it may stand him more in stead to lie,
Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.