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’.