[a. L. captātiōn-em, n. of action f. captā-re (see prec.); cf. F. captation.] A catching at, an endeavor to get, esp. by address or art; the making of ad captandum appeals.
1523. Skelton, Garl. Laurel, 815. With proper captacyouns of benevolence.
1613. R. C., Table Alph. (ed. 3), Captation, procuring, purchasing.
1617. Bp. Hall, Quo Vadis? § 15. 57. Neuer generation was so forward as the Iesuiticall, for captation of willes [cf. L. captatio testamenti] amongst their owne, or of soules amongst strangers.
1648. Eikon Bas., 107. Popular captations which some men use in their speeches.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Captation, subtilty to get favour, a cunning endeavor to get a thing.
1873. Daily News, 28 July, 4/7. To induce candidates to rely more on great principles, and less on the arts of political captation.
