Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Captation \Cap*ta`tion\, n. [L. captatio, fr. captare to catch,
   intens. of caper to take: cf. F. captation.]
   A courting of favor or applause, by flattery or address; a
   captivating quality; an attraction. [Obs.]

         Without any of those dresses, or popular captations,
         which some men use in their speeches.    --Eikon
                                                  Basilike.