GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Extenuate , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Extenuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Extenuating.] [L. extenuatus, p. p. of extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to make thin, tenuis thin. See Tenuity.]
   To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.
   1913 Webster
   His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
   Grew.
   
   1913 Webster
   To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate.
   1913 Webster
   But fortune there extenuates the crime.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality.
   I. Taylor.
   
   1913 Webster
   To lower or degrade; to detract from. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   Who can extenuate thee?
   Milton.
   Syn. -- To palliate; to mitigate. See Palliate.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Extenuate, v. i. To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations.
   Burke.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

3.       
   Extenuate , a. [L. extenuatus, p. p.] Thin; slender. [Obs.]
   Huloet.
   
   1913 Webster