Insinuated

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Insinuated}; p.
     pr. & vb. n. {Insinuating}.] [L. insinuatus, p. p. of
     insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See
     {Sinuous}.]
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     1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow


        passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.
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              The water easily insinuates itself into, and
              placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables.
                                                    --Woodward.
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     2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill.
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              All the art of rhetoric, besides order and
              clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate
              wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead
              the judgment.                         --Locke.
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              Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates
              virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the
              severity of precepts.                 --Dryden.
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     3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used
        derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything?
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     4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce
        by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used
        reflexively.
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              He insinuated himself into the very good grace of
              the Duke of Buckingham.               --Clarendon.
  
     Syn: To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
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