pleading. An averment which explains the defendant’s meaning by reference to antecedent matter. The innuendo is mostly used in actions for slander. An innuendo, as, he the said plaintiff meaning, is only explanatory of some matter expressed; it serves to apply the slander to the precedent matter, but cannot add or enlarge, extend, or change the sense of the previous words, and the matter to which it alludes must always appear from the antecedent parts of the declaration or indictment.3. It is necessary only when the intent may be mistaken, or when it cannot be collected from the libel or slander itself. 4. If the innuendo materially enlarge the sense of the words it will vitiate the declaration or indictment. But when the new matter stated in an innuendo is not necessary to support the action, it may be rejected as surplusage.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
This Latin word (commonly translated “meaning”) was the technical beginning of that clause in a declaration or indictment for slander or libel in which the meaning of the alleged libelous words was explained, or the application of the language charged to the plaintiff was pointed out. Hence it gave its name to the whole clause; and this usage is still retained, although an equivalent English word is now substituted. Thus, it may be charged that the defendant said “he {meaning the said plaintiff) is a perjurer.” The word is also used, (though more rarely,) in other species of pleadings, to introduce an explanation of a preceding word, charge, or averment.
It is Bald to mean no more than the words “id cut” “scilicet” or “meaning,” or “aforesaid,” as explanatory of a subject matter sufficiently expressed before; as “such a one, meaning the defendant,” or “such a subject, meaning the subject in question.” Cowp. 683. It is only explanatory of some matter already expressed. It serves to point out where there is precedent matter, but never for a new charge. It may apply what is already expressed, but caunot add to or enlarge or change the sense of the previous words.