English Dictionary: flattery | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for flattery | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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}. |