Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Allure?

\Al*lure"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Alluded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Alluring}.] [OF. aleurrer, alurer, fr. a (L. ad) + leurre lure. See {Lure}.] To attempt to draw; to tempt by a lure or bait, that is, by the offer of some good, real or apparent; to invite by something flattering or acceptable; to entice; to attract. With promised joys allured them on. --Falconer. The golden sun in splendor likest Heaven Allured his eye. --Milton. Syn: To attract; entice; tempt; decoy; seduce. Usage: To {Allure}, {Entice}, {Decoy}, {Seduce}. These words agree in the idea of acting upon the mind by some strong controlling influence, and differ according to the image under which is presented. They are all used in a bad sense, except allure, which has sometimes (though rarely) a good one. We are allured by the prospect or offer (usually deceptive) of some future good. We are commonly enticed into evil by appeals to our passions. We are decoyed into danger by false appearances or representations. We are seduced when drawn aside from the path of rectitude. What allures draws by gentle means; what entices leads us by promises and persuasions; what decoys betrays us, as it were, into a snare or net; what seduces deceives us by artful appeals to the passions.
\Al*lure"\, n. Allurement. [R.] --Hayward.
\Al`lure"\, n. [F.; aller to go.] Gait; bearing. The swing, the gait, the pose, the allure of these men. --Harper's Mag.