Mince

To mince something means to cut, chop or grind something into small pieces and dates from Middle English, which is any date between 1150 and 1350, according to the OED. It is from this etymological source that all its other meanings and uses derive. For example, one of its figurative uses, 'to mince' meaning to walk with short or small steps in an affected or feminine manner dates from 1562. 'To mince' meaning to make little of, or disparage, dates from 1591. Then 'to mince one's words', meaning to moderate or restrain one's language, dates from 1599. Mincemeat, shortened from 'minced meat' dates from 1762, and was again shortened to 'mince' by the mid-19th century. See also Minced oath