cozen

The verb "cozen" means to deceive or trick someone into doing something. It's often used in contexts of persuasion or inducement. The word originated from the Italian term "cozzone," meaning horse trader, who were known for their shrewd negotiations. Despite its similar spelling to "cozy," cozen has no relation to comfort. It's commonly found in situations where people are persuaded to participate in fraudulent schemes or to support certain causes through deceptive means. The term "horse trade" is associated with bargaining and compromise, reflecting the historical reputation of horse traders for engaging in less-than-transparent negotiations.