cozen
UK[ˈkʌz(ə)n]US[ˈkʌzən]
v
To deceive, win over, or persuade (someone) by artful flattery, false promises, or trickery.
Etymology
The verb 'cozen' emerged in English in the late 16th century, but its precise origin is obscure and debated. The most plausible theory traces it to the obsolete noun 'cousin', used in the sense of 'a dupe' or 'gullible person', which itself derived from the practice of using familial terms like "coz" or "cousin" as a form of deceptive, ingratiating address. Another theory suggests a link to Italian 'cozzonare', meaning 'to cheat', especially in horse trading. Regardless of its specific path, the word's history encapsulates the logic of deception through false familiarity and smooth, persuasive talk, evolving into its modern meaning of artful trickery.
Analysis
The word 'cozen' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely entering English as a complete lexical unit. It is not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
The salesman tried to cozen the elderly couple into buying an unnecessary warranty.
She realized too late that his charming stories were just an attempt to cozen her out of her inheritance.
Politicians sometimes cozen the public with grand promises they have no intention of keeping.