beguile

influence by slyness

To delude by guile, artifice, or craft; to deceive or impose on, as by a false statement; to lure.

Old French: beguiler (to deceive)

“And is't not written that I shall beguile Shagpat by its means, and master the Event, and shame the King of Oolb and his Court?”

— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith

Nia, the shrewd shopkeeper of Kathmandu's old market, knew how to beguile tourists. One day, she dazzled a visitor with a tale of a magic trinket that could bring good fortune. The tourist left lighter in wallet but heavier in heart, none the wiser about Nia's clever fibs.

Under the soft glow of Reykjavik's midnight sun, Emeka watched a street performer juggling flaming torches with such charm that even the wary tourists could not help but be beguiled into throwing coins into his hat. The flames danced in time with the distant murmur of the Elliðaá River nearby, weaving an irresistible spell over the crowd.

“A special display room was built to beguile the fashionable company.”