To cut or chop into very small pieces. She minced the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
To walk with short, quick steps in a dainty or affected manner. He minced across the room, trying to avoid the puddles on the floor.
To speak in an affectedly dainty or delicate manner. He minced when he spoke, adopting an exaggeratedly delicate accent.
To moderate or restrain the directness of one’s words, often for the sake of politeness (typically used in the negative). The manager did not mince her words when explaining the consequences of lateness.