v. - make or become flat.

- colloq. A humiliate. B knock down.

v. - compliment unduly, esp. For gain or advantage.

- (usu. Refl.; usu. Foll. By that) congratulate or delude (oneself etc.) (he flatters himself that he can sing).

- (of colour, style, portrait, painter etc.) Enhance the appearance of (that blouse flatters you).

- cause to feel honoured. flatterer n. Flattering adj. Flatteringly adv. [french]

(us flavor) —n. - mingled sensation of smell and taste (cheesy flavour).

- characteristic quality (romantic flavour).

- (usu. Foll. By of) slight admixture (flavour of failure). —v. Give flavour to; season. flavourless adj. Flavoursome adj. [french]

- of the month n. (also flavour of the week) temporary trend or fashion.

n. Slang shabby or unattractive person or thing.

n. Dingy dirty cinema etc.

n. - native of medieval flanders.

- member of a flemish-speaking people of n. And w. Belgium. [old english]

—adj. Of flanders. —n. Language of the flemings. [dutch]

adj. (-lier, -liest) 1 bodily; sensual.

- mortal.

- worldly.

n. (us flection) 1 bending or being bent, esp. Of a limb or joint.

- bent part; curve. [latin flexio: related to *flex1]

—v. - (of light or flame) shine or burn unsteadily.

- flutter.

- (of hope etc.) Waver. —n. - flickering movement or light.

- brief spell (of hope etc.). flicker out die away. [old english]