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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. i.
1. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or
imperceptibly, as into crevices.
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2. To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by
flattery or cunning.
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He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh.
--Shak.
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To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs.
--Shak.
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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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