[agent-n. f. L. extenuāre: see EXTENUATE v.] One who extenuates. † a. One who depreciates or makes light of. b. One who alleges extenuating or excusatory considerations; an apologist.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VIII. 57. Not … classed among such extenuators.
1799. V. Knox, Consid. Lord’s Supp., iv. (1809), 22 The Extenuators of the Sacrament sometimes suggest a hint that the command to perform this slight service … might have been confined to the Apostles.
1869. Mozley, Univ. Serm., i. (1876), 15. The extenuators of the Council.
