inveigle

Definition

To convert, convince, or win over with flattery or wiles.

Etymology

Early corruption of French aveugler (“to blind, to delude”), from French aveugle (“blind”), from the Old French avugle (“without eyes”), from Late Latin ab oculīs (“without eyes”, literally “away from the eyes”). The in- might be from other a-/en- variations found in Middle English, which were then latinised into in-.

Example Sentences

• "And he that could with giftes and promiſes, / Inueigle him that lead a thouſand horſe, / And make him falſe his faith vnto his King, / Will quickly win ſuch as be like himſelfe."
• "And therefore hereto he inveigleth, not only the Sadduces and ſuch as retaine unto the Church of God, but is alſo content that Epicurus Democritus or any of the heathen ſhould hold the ſame."
• "But in the mean time […] it looks all ſo like ſubterfuge and inveagling; it is ſo nauſeating and teadious a task, that no man thinks he ovvs the Author ſo much ſervice as to find out the reaſon of his ovvn Categoricalneſs for him."