Start persuading sprite to make lucre (4)
I believe the answer is:
pelf
'lucre' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'start persuading sprite' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'sprite' becomes 'elf' (an elf is a sprite).
The first letter of 'persuading' is 'p'.
'p'+'elf'='PELF'
'to make' is the link.
(Other definitions for pelf that I've seen before include "Lucre" , "Lolly" , "Contemptuous expression for wealth" , "ill-gotten gains" , "Money" .)