Flattery, deceit.

A deceit, esp. an act of false flattery; a trick. Also: a fictitious narrative or statement, a falsehood.

The action of flatter, v.1, in its various senses. Now rare except in gerundial use.

figurative. ‘Gratifying deception, delusion’ (Schmidt).

Talk or patter designed to persuade someone of something or to flatter or cajole someone into a particular course of action in order to further…