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 artful 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.