1. noun
a) A single quotation mark, (). This is often used for a quote within a quote, as in "Tom said What?"
b) A punctuation mark to indicate that the text is a semi-quote, i.e. a close paraphrase that uses some of the authors original words.
2. verb
a) To make a close paraphrase of a quotation, using some of its words.
Instead of magnifying the damnation of those who follow not the truth (as the village understood it), she was content to semi-quote...
b) To modify a quote, adapting it to different circumstances but preserving the intent. "To semi-quote Shakespeare …"
Wikipedia foundation.