Carefully read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. Passage: One day my brother brought home a new song-bird. It was the smallest of them all, a tiny creature of a blue and a red that sparkled when brushed by the sun. But there was a problem: while the others sang, this new bird remained silent. My brother tried coaxing music out of him, in vain. He tried attacking with a stick, but the bird was unmoved. My brother first tried withholding food, but later when the incentive was offered the bird ignored it, and twice he knocked over his dish, scattering the seed.
Question: What does the word "coaxing" mean?

• A

  to behave rudely
• B

  to use violent means
• Correct answer
  C

  to gently persuade
• D

  to beg repeatedly

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.