/peuhr sway"deuhr/ , n.
1. a person or thing that persuades: The cool lake was a most enticing persuader for those who liked to swim.
2. Slang.
a. (in underworld use) a gun, blackjack, or other weapon.
b. something that persuades, as by coercing or threatening: Sometimes the teacher used a hickory persuader to get our attention.
[ 1530-40; PERSUADE + -ER 1 ]