Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Persuasion

Persuasion , noun

[Latin persuasio; Compare French 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? — Shakespeare
5.
That which persuades; a persuasive. [Rare]