I. ˈfla-tər verb
Etymology: Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
2.
a. archaic : beguile 4
b. : to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct
3.
a. : to portray too favorably
the portrait flatter s him
b. : to display to advantage
candlelight often flatter s the face
intransitive verb
: to use flattery
• flat·ter·er -tər-ər noun
• flat·ter·ing·ly -tər-iŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1714
: one that flattens ; especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing