GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Flatter (flătˈtẽr), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flattered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Flattering.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. flaðra 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.
   
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   When I tell him he hates flatterers,
   
   He says he does, being then most flattered. Shak.
   
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   A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. Prov. xxix. 5.
   
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   Others he flattered by asking their advice. Prescott.
   
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   2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
   
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   3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, “his portrait flatters him”.
   
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