ˈflad.ərē, -atə-, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English flaterie, from Middle French, from Old French, from flater to flatter + -erie -ery
1.
a. : the act or practice of flattering : the act of pleasing by artful commendation : adulation
b. : something that flatters or is felt flatteringly ; often : false, insincere, or excessive praise
just praise is only a debt but flattery is a present — Samuel Johnson
2. obsolete : a pleasing self-deception