Flattery, n.; pl. Flatteries.
Etymology: [OE. flaterie, OF. flaterie, F. flaterie, fr. flater to flatter, F. flatter; of uncertain origin. See Flatter, v. t.]
The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artiful commendation or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise. Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present. Rambler. Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver. Burke.
Syn. -- Adulation; compliment; obsequiousness. See Adulation.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for flattery; he lists it under praise.
Where he writes about it:
Praise is always understood as genuine and sincere, unless the contrary is expressly stated; compliment is a light form of praise that may or may not be sincere; flattery is insincere and ordinarily fulsome praise. — from praise