v. [f. L. adūlāt- ppl. stem of adūlā-ri to fawn upon like a dog, to flatter servilely. Cf. Fr. adul-er, used since the 15th c.] To flatter basely or slavishly; to do servile or indiscriminating homage to.
1777. Dalrymple, Trav. Spain & Port., xxxix. The way to preferment here is by … adulating some superior, who probably is a despicable character.
1794. D’Israeli, Curios. Lit. (1848), I. 154. He actually condescended … to adulate the unworthy Christina of Sweden.
1858. Times, 12 Nov., 7/3. Adoring and adulating absolute monarchy.
1880. W. S. Gilbert, Patience, I. 9. What is there to adulate in me! Am I particularly intelligent?
