Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Insinuate

Insinuate , transitive verb

[Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See Sinuous.]

1.
To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.
The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. — Woodward
2.
To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill.
All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment. — Locke
Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. — Dryden
3.
To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything?
4.
To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; -- used reflexively.
He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. — Clarendon

Insinuate , intransitive verb

1.
To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
2.
To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning.
He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. — Shakespeare
To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. — Shakespeare