Insinuation

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.

Synonyms: Hint; intimation; suggestion. See Innuendo.