FLAT'TERY, noun 1. False praise; commendation bestowed for the purpose of gaining favor and influence, or to accomplish some purpose. Direct flattery consists in praising a person himself; indirect flattery consists in praising a person through his works or his connections. Simple pride for flattery makes demands. Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present. 2. Adulation; obsequiousness; wheedling. 3. Just commendation which gratifies self-love.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI