Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object)
- to coax or influence by gentle flattery; cajole: They blandished the guard into letting them through the gate.
verb (used without object)
- to use flattery or cajolery.
verb
- (tr) to seek to persuade or influence by mild flattery; coax
c.1300, from Old French blandiss-, present participle stem of blandir “to flatter, caress,” from Latin blandiri “flatter, soothe, caress, coax,” from blandus (see bland). OED reports it rare in 17c., 18c. Related: Blandished; blandishing.