Part 278

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.

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*a`ting (?), a. Winding, creeping, or flowing in, quietly or stealthily; suggesting; winning favor and confidence insensibly. Milton.

His address was courteous, and even insinuating.

Prescott.

In*sin"u*a`ting*ly, adv. By insinuation.

In*sin"u*a`tion (?), n. [L. insinuatio: cf. F. insinuation.]

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.