† migniardize, v. Obs.
Also 7 miniardize.
[f. migniard + -ize.]
trans. To make (language) affected in character; to treat (a person) caressingly. Hence migniardized ppl. a., migniardizing vbl. n.
| 1598 Florio, Vezzo, a wantonnes, a quaintnes, a squeamishnes, a dandling, a dalliance, a wantonizing, a mignardizing, a pampring [etc.]. c 1645 Howell Lett. (1655) IV. xix. 49 Softnes of pronunciation proceeding from wanton spirits that did miniardize, and make the Language more dainty and feminine. a 1670 Hacket Abp. Williams i. (1693) 95 Men that are sound in their Morals, and in Minutes imperfect in their Intellectuals, are best reclaimed when they are mignarized [sic], and strok'd gently. |