Flattery etymology

English

English word flattery comes from Proto-Germanic *flatą, and later Old French flater (To flatter; to seduce with words.)

Etymology of flattery

Detailed word origin of flattery

Dictionary entry Language Definition
*flatą Proto-Germanic (gem-pro)
flat Frankish (frk)
flater Old French (fro) To flatter; to seduce with words.
flaterie Old French (fro)
flaterie Middle English (enm)
flattery English (en) (countable) An instance of excessive praise.. (uncountable) Excessive praise or approval, which is often insincere and sometimes contrived to win favour.