Noah Webster
Flattery
FLAT'TERY, noun
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.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
2. Adulation; obsequiousness; wheedling.
3. Just commendation which gratifies self-love.