Also 4–8 inticement. [a. OF. enticement: see prec. and -MENT.]

1

  † 1.  Incitement, instigation. Also concr. something that incites. Obs.

2

1303.  R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 2146. Al ys entycement of þe deuyl.

3

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Apocalypse, xiii. in Bible, Pref. 8, note. Fals prelates that don by the conseil and the enticement of hem that sechen erthelich thinges.

4

c. 1425.  Wyntoun, Cron., VIII. xxiv. 199. Ðis wes þe fyrst entycement Ðat amovyd on þis were.

5

1494.  Fabyan, V. cxv. 89. Chylperiche hadde by intycement of Fredegunde wrongfullye turmentyd tharchebyshop of Roan.

6

1555.  Eden, Decades W. Ind. (Arb.), 331. They lacke breade, salte, and other intysements of glutteny.

7

1587.  Fleming, Contn. Holinshed, III. 1367/2. By intisements of certeine seditious and traitorous persons.

8

  2.  The action of alluring or attracting; attractive quality, fascination; concr. a means or method of enticing; something that entices, an allurement.

9

1549.  L. Coxe, Erasm. Par. Titus ii. 14. A newe peculyar people, which … should contemne ye euyls of this world, & treade downe ye entysementes & giftes of it vnder their fete.

10

1607.  Fletcher, Woman Hater, I. iii. Banquets, Masques, Shews, all inticements That Wit and Lust together can devise.

11

1634.  Milton, Comus, 524. Here to every thirsty wanderer, [Comus] By sly enticement gives his baneful cup.

12

1692.  Bentley, Boyle Lect., i. 31. What enticement, what pleasure is there in common profane Swearing?

13

1727.  Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Horse-Feeder, The Horse-Feeder … must … win him [the Horse] by gentle Enticements.

14

1738.  Birch, Life Milton, in M.’s Wks., I. p. lxxv. No Enticements of any kind were wanting. Great Sums of Money were proffer’d to Mr. Royston.

15

1844.  Emerson, Essays, Ser. II. 208. There is in woods and waters a certain enticement and flattery.

16