I. ˈmin(t)s verb
( minced ; minc·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French mincer, from Vulgar Latin * minutiare, from Latin minutia smallness — more at minutia
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to cut or chop into very small pieces
b. : to subdivide minutely ; especially : to damage by cutting up
2. : to utter or pronounce with affectation
3.
a. archaic : minimize
b. : to restrain (words) within the bounds of decorum
intransitive verb
: to walk with short steps in a prim affected manner
• minc·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1600
1. : small chopped bits (as of food) ; specifically : mincemeat
2. British : hamburger 1a