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.