v.
  - 
[often as adj. minced]
 cut up or shred (meat) into very small pieces.
 - walk in an affected manner with short, quick steps and swinging hips.
 
n.
 chiefly Brit. minced meat.
 
  Phrase
  
    
      - mince words 
(or one's words)
 
[usu. with neg.]
 voice one's disapproval delicately or gently. 
    
   
  Derivative
  
    - mincer n.
  - mincing adj.
  - mincingly adv.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. mincier, based on L. minutia ‘smallness’.