Word Direct Answers

What does "flatter" mean?

Flatter: (Metal Working) (a) A flat-faced fulling hammer. (b) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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. Shak. A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. Prov. xxix.
  2. 3.Others he flattered by asking their advice. Prescott.
  3. 4.To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
  4. 5.To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.
  5. 6.To use flattery or insincere praise. If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure. Milton.

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