INTIMATION
inkling, intimation, glimmering, glimmer
(noun) a slight suggestion or vague understanding; “he had no inkling what was about to happen”
hint, intimation, breath
(noun) an indirect suggestion; “not a breath of scandal ever touched her”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
intimation (plural intimations)
The act of intimating.
The thing intimated.
Announcement; declaration.
A hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a remote or ambiguous reference.
Source: Wiktionary
In`ti*ma"tion, n. Etym: [L. intimatio: cf. F. intimation.]
1. The act of intimating; also, the thing intimated.
2. Announcement; declaration. Macaulay.
They made an edict with an intimation that whosoever killed a stork,
should be banished. Holland.
3. A hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a remote or
ambiguous reference; as, he had given only intimations of his design.
Without mentioning the king of England, or giving the least
intimation that he was sent by him. Bp. Burnet.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition