to mince

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To diminish in speaking; to retrench, to cut off, or omit a part for the purpose of suppressing the truth; to extenuate in representation.--Webster.


And love doth mince this matter.--Shakspeare, Othello.

There was no mincing matters; it seemed as if Mr. Calhoun's presence had mesmerized the stoutest democrats into perfect agreement with himself.--N. Y. Tribune, Nov. 26, 1845.

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