Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Insinuation

Insinuation , noun

[Latin insinuatio: compare French 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