Flattery \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)