■ verb
1》 lavish compliments on, especially in order to further one's own interests.
↘( ~ oneself ) believe something favourable about oneself, typically without foundation.
2》 cause to feel honoured and pleased.
3》 (of clothing or a colour) enhance the appearance of.
↘give an unrealistically favourable impression of.
4》 archaic please (the ear or eye).
Phrases
~ to deceive appear promising but ultimately disappoint.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ing adjective
~ingly adverb
Origin
ME (as ~y ): from OFr. flaterie , from flater 'stroke, ~', prob. of Gmc origin and related to flat 1 .