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persuasion

1. The act of persuading; the act of influencing the mind by arguments or reasons offered, or by anything that moves the mind or passions, or inclines the will to a determination. For thou hast all the arts of fine persuasion. (Otway)

2. The state of being persuaded or convinced; settled opinion or conviction, which has been induced. If the general persuasion of all men does so account it. (hooker) My firm persuasion is, at least sometimes, That heaven will weigh man's virtues and his crimes With nice attention. (Cowper)

3. A creed or belief; a sect or party adhering to a certain creed or system of opinions; as, of the same persuasion; all persuasions are agreed. Of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. (Jefferson)

4. The power or quality of persuading; persuasiveness. Is 't possible that my deserts to you Can lack persuasion? (Shak)

5. That which persuades; a persuasive.

Synonym: See Conviction.

Origin: L. Persuasio; Cf. F. Persuasion.