Emily Dickinson Lexicon

persuade (-d, persuading), v. [L. per + suādēre, advise, recommend, urge as desirable.] (webplay: arts, belief, measure).

1. Influence; sway; coax; entice; induce; appeal to successfully; compel by pleading, entreating, or reasoning.
2. Convince; assure; induce to believe.
3. Argue legally; testify; give evidence; offer proof.