from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
TO DISSUADE, crim. law. To induce a person not to do an act.
2. To dissuade a witness from giving evidence against a person
indicted, is an indictable offence at common law. Hawk. B. 1, c. 2 1, s. 1
5. The mere attempt to stifle evidence, is also criminal, although the
persuasion should not succeed, on the general principle that an incitement
to commit a crime, is in itself criminal. 1 Russ. on Cr. 44; 6 East, R. 464;
2 East, R. 6, 21; 2 Str. 904; 2 Leach, 925. Vide To Persuade.