In*sin"u*ate , v. i. 1. To
creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
2. To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning.
He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
Shak. To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my
limbs.
Shak.
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.]
1. To introduce gently or slowly, as
by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.
The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of
vegetables.
Woodward.
2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill.
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.
Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of
precepts.
Dryden. 3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily;
as, did you
mean to insinuate anything?
4. To push or work (one's self), as into
favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used
reflexively.
He
insinuated himself into the very
good grace of the Duke of Buckingham.
Clarendon. Syn. -- To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
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