insinuate

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 ]