v. i. 1. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning. [ 1913 Webster ]

He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. [ 1913 Webster ]

The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything? [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used reflexively. [ 1913 Webster ]

He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. Clarendon.

Syn. -- To instill; hint; suggest; intimate. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Winding, creeping, or flowing in, quietly or stealthily; suggesting; winning favor and confidence insensibly. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

His address was courteous, and even insinuating. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By insinuation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. insinuatio: cf. F. insinuation. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in. [ 1913 Webster ]

By a soft insinuation mix'd
With earth's large mass. Crashaw. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; -- formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

I hope through the insinuation of Lord Scarborough to keep them here till further orders. Lady Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

He bad a natural insinuation and address which made him acceptable in the best company. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion or intimation by distant allusion; as, slander may be conveyed by insinuations. [ 1913 Webster ]

I scorn your coarse insinuation. Cowper.

Syn. -- Hint; intimation; suggestion. See Innuendo. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. insinuatif. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Stealing on or into the confidence or affections; having power to gain favor. “Crafty, insinuative, plausible men.” Bp. Reynolds. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Using insinuations; giving hints; insinuating; as, insinuative remark. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., an introducer. ] One who, or that which, insinuates. De Foe. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Insinuative. [ 1913 Webster ]