insinuation

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in.
2. 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.
3. 3
   The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner.
4. 4
   That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion, innuendo or intimation by distant allusion