massage Definition

massage
noun

1. A technique of easing pain or stiffness in the body, especially the muscles, by rubbing, kneading and tapping with the hands.
2. A body treatment using this technique.

verb massaged, massaging

1. To perform massage on someone.
2. To alter something (especially statistics or other data) to produce a more favourable result; to manipulate or doctor something to make it look better, more suitable, etc.

Idiom: massage someone's ego

facetious
To flatter them, or treat them in any way that makes them feel more important or special.

Etymology: 19c: French, from masser to massage, from Greek massein to knead.