v. t.
To undersell our rivals . . . has led the manufacturer to . . . attenuate his processes, in the allotment of tasks, to an extreme point. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
We may reject and reject till we attenuate history into sapless meagerness. Sir F. Palgrave. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. To become thin, slender, or fine; to grow less; to lessen. [ 1913 Webster ]
The attention attenuates as its sphere contracts. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]
But fortune there extenuates the crime. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
Who can extenuate thee? Milton.
v. i. To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. extenuatus, p. p. ] Thin; slender. [ Obs. ] Huloet. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.