Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Insinuation \In*sin"u*a`tion\, n. [L. insinuatio: cf. F.
insinuation.]
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.
Syn: Hint; intimation; suggestion. See {Innuendo}.
Source : WordNet®
insinuation
n 1: an indirect (and usually malicious) implication [syn: {innuendo}]
2: the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by
persuasive and subtle blandishments; "she refused to use
insinuation in order to gain favor" [syn: {ingratiation}]