From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Flatter \Flat"ter\ (fl[a^]t"t[~e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Flattered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Flattering}.] [OE. flateren,
cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel.
fla[eth]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.
[1913 Webster]
When I tell him he hates flatterers,
He says he does, being then most flattered. --Shak.
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A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net
for his feet. --Prov. xxix.
5.
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Others he flattered by asking their advice.
--Prescott.
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2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but
sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations.
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3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of;
as, his portrait flatters him.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Flattering \Flat"ter*ing\, a.
That flatters (in the various senses of the verb); as, a
flattering speech.
[1913 Webster]
Lay not that flattering unction to your soul. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
A flattering painter, who made it his care,
To draw men as they ought be, not as they are.
--Goldsmith.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
flattering
adj 1: showing or representing to advantage; "a flattering
color" [ant: {uncomplimentary}, {unflattering}]
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