n. [ L. extenuatio: cf. F. exténuation. ] The act of axtenuating or the state of being extenuated; the act of making thin, slender, or lean, or of palliating; diminishing, or lessening; palliation, as of a crime; mitigation, as of punishment. [ 1913 Webster ]
To listen . . . to every extenuation of what is evil. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]