(flat′ər) v.t.
1. To praise unduly or insincerely.
2. To try to win over or gain the favor of by flattery.
3. To play upon the hopes or vanity of; beguile.
4. To please or gratify: She flattered me by saying “Yes.”
5. To represent too favorably: The picture flatters her.
—v.i.
6. To use flattery. See synonyms under CARESS, PRAISE, PUFF.
—to flatter oneself To believe: I flatter myself that my gifts are acceptable. [<OF flater fawn, caress. Akin to FLAT¹.]
—flat′ter·er noun
—flat′ter·ing adjective
—flat′ter·ing·ly adverb

(flat′ər) noun
1. One who or that which flattens.
2. A flat–holed drawplate through which watch springs, skirt wire, etc., are drawn.
3. A flat–faced hammer used by blacksmiths.