[f. FLATTER v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the vb. FLATTER, in its various senses. Now rare exc. in gerundial use.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 320. Vor fearlac, vor flatterunge.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter, v. 11. Wiþ flaterynge þai deuoure wham swa þai may felaghe wiþ þaim.
c. 1430. Syr Gener. (Roxb.), 1977.
| So thurgh his fals flatering | |
| With the Sodon was he dwelling. |
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 951/2. All the preachers then at Paul’s Cross preached nothing but lies and flatterings.
1607. Hieron, Wks., I. 430. Secret soothing and flattering of the Heart.
1678. R. Barclay, An Apology for … Quakers, Ded. He might permit thee to be soothed up, and lulled asleep in thy sins, by the flattering of court parasites, who, by their fawning, are the ruin of many princes.
