cozen

This term describes a specific type of deception characterized by subtle manipulation and persuasive charm rather than blunt lying or force. It suggests a predatory patience, where the victim is lured into a trap through a facade of friendliness or trustworthiness, making it more sophisticated than simple cheating.

In modern usage, the word is rare and carries a literary or archaic flavor. It is typically employed in narratives involving confidence tricks or historical settings to evoke a sense of old-world cunning and artifice.