Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Flatter

Flatter (flat"tẽr) , noun

1.
One who, or that which, makes flat or flattens.
2.
(a) (Metal Working) A flat-faced fulling hammer.
(b)
(Metal Working) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.

Flatter (flat"tẽr) , transitive verb

[Old English flateren, compare OD. flatteren; akin to German flattern to flutter, Icelandic flaera to fawn, flatter: compare French flatter. Compare 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.
When I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he does, being then most flattered. — Shakespeare
A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. — Bible (KJV) - Proverb xxix. 5
Others he flattered by asking their advice. — Prescott
2.
To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
3.
To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.

Flatter , intransitive verb

To use flattery or insincere praise.
If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure. — Milton