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

\Flat"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Flattered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Flattering}.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin
to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. fla?ra to fawn, flatter: cf.
F. flatter. Cf. {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.      --Shak.
         A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net
         for his feet.                         --Prov. 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.

\Flat"ter\, v. i.
To use flattery or insincere praise.
      If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and
      unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure.        --Milton.