coax 1
— coaxer , n. — coaxingly , adv.
/kohks/ , v.t.
1. to attempt to influence by gentle persuasion, flattery, etc.; cajole: He coaxed her to sing, but she refused.
2. to obtain by coaxing: We coaxed the secret from him.
3. to manipulate to a desired end by adroit handling or persistent effort: He coaxed the large chair through the door.
4. Obs.
a. to fondle.
b. to fool; deceive.
v.i.
5. to use gentle persuasion.
[ 1580-90; v. use of cokes fool (now obs.), perh. var. of COXCOMB ]
coax 2
/koh aks", koh"aks/ , n. Elect.
See coaxial cable .
[ 1945-50; by shortening ]