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 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.