Excessive or insincere praise given to someone, typically to gain favor or advantage; the practice of flattering.
From Middle French 'flaterie,' derived from Old French 'flaterie' (deception, cajolery), possibly from Frankish 'flat' (flatness, smoothness) or Scandinavian roots. The term entered English in the 13th century.
Flateria was considered so dangerous to truth and society that medieval and Renaissance writers warned extensively against it—they saw excessive praise as a tool of manipulation and social corruption.
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