Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLAT'TER-Y, n. [Fr. flatterie.]

1. False praise; commendation bestowed for the purpose of gaining favor and influence, or to accomplish some purpose. Direct flattery consists in praising a person himself; indirect flattery consists in praising a person through his works or his connections. Simple pride for flattery makes demands. – Pope. Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present. – Rambler.
2. Adulation; obsequiousness; wheedling. – Rowe.
3. Just commendation which gratifies self-love.