Less interesting compliment (7)

I believe the answer is:
flatter
'compliment' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for flatter that I've seen before include "Praise obsequiously" , "flannel" , "Less uneven, soft-soap" , "Please with undue praise" , "Lavish compliments on (someone)" .)
