\Ad`u*la"tion\, n. [F. adulation, fr. L. adulatio, fr.
adulari, adulatum, to flatter.]
Servile flattery; praise in excess, or beyond what is
merited.
      Think'st thou the fiery fever will go out With titles
      blown from adulation?                    --Shak.
Syn: Sycophancy; cringing; fawning; obsequiousness;
     blandishment.
Usage: {Adulation}, {Flattery}, {Compliment}. Men deal in
       compliments from a desire to please; they use flattery
       either from undue admiration, or a wish to gratify
       vanity; they practice adulation from sordid motives,
       and with a mingled spirit of falsehood and hypocrisy.
       Compliment may be a sincere expression of due respect
       and esteem, or it may be unmeaning; flattery is apt to
       become gross; adulation is always servile, and usually
       fulsome.