Insinuation
Pronunciation : In*sin"u*a`tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. insinuatio: cf. F. insinuation.]
Definition : 1. The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in. By a soft insinuation mix'd With earth's large mass. Crashaw.
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. I hope through the insinuation of Lord Scarborough to keep them here till further orders. Lady Cowper.
3. The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner. He bad a natural insinuation and address which made him acceptable in the best company. Clarendon.
4. That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion or intimation by distant allusion; as, slander may be conveyed by insinuations. I scorn your coarse insinuation. Cowper.
Syn. -- Hint; intimation; suggestion. See Innuendo.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913