Insinuation

The act or process of insinuating; a creeping, winding, or flowing in.

The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; -- formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition.

The art or power of gaining good will by a prepossessing manner.

That which is insinuated; a hint; a suggestion or intimation by distant allusion; as, slander may be conveyed by insinuations.

an indirect (and usually malicious) implication