Definition of: mince

(mins) v. minced, minc·ing v.t.
1. To cut or chop into small bits, as meat.
2. To subdivide minutely.
3. To diminish the force or strength of; moderate: He didn't mince words with her.
4. To say or do with affected primness or elegance.
—v.i.
5. To walk with short steps or affected daintiness.
6. To speak or behave with affected primness.
—noun
1. Mincemeat.
2. Rare An affectation. [<OF mincier; ult. <L minuere lessen, make smaller]
—minc′er noun
—minc′ing·ly adverb