Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Flattery

Flattery , noun

[Old English flaterie, Old French flaterie, French flaterie, from flater to flatter, French flatter; of uncertain origin. See Flatter, transitive verb]

The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful 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