Extenuate /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Extenuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Extenuating

1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.

   His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.

2. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate.

   But fortune there extenuates the crime.

   Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality.

3. To lower or degrade; to detract from. [Obs.]

   Who can extenuate thee?

1. To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations.

1. Thin; slender. [Obs.]