ə̇nˌsinyəˈwāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin insinuation-, insinuatio, from insinuatus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of insinuating: as
a. : stealthy or indirect hinting or suggestion
b.
[Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin insinuation-, insinuatio, from Latin]
Roman & civil law
(1) : the copying of an act or legal transaction (as a gift) in a public record
(2) : the first production of a will for probate
c. : the gaining of favor, affection, or influence by gentle or artful means : ingratiation
d. archaic : slow or indirect entry or penetration
2. : something that is insinuated: as
a. : an utterance intended to hint at or imply something subtly, slyly, or indirectly ; especially : one intended to convey something derogatory
his insinuations about the governor's income
b. obsolete : an ingratiating act or speech