wigwag
[wig-wag]
verb (used with or without object), wig·wagged, wig·wag·ging.
to move to and fro.
Nautical. to signal by movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.
noun
Nautical. the act or process of sending messages by the movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.
a message so signaled.
Origin of wigwag
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for wigwag
fly, flap, twirl, swing, wield, brandish, twist, shake, flutter, quiver, stream, reel, quaver, direct, pulse, sign, beckon, seesaw, ripple, gesticulateExamples from the Web for wigwag
Historical Examples of wigwag
The pole which had been used to convey the wigwag signals was now out of sight.
Boy Scouts in the PhilippinesG. Harvey Ralphson
If it be a Graycoat, it will answer with the same, the wigwag: "I'm a Squirrel, too."
BannertailErnest Thompson Seton
After parleying for a while, one of the landing party was seen to wigwag.
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"Russell Doubleday
Unlike the "wigwag" system, the whole letter is shown at once.
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"Russell Doubleday
The signal outfit consists of the International Code, Navy numerals and wigwag flags.
Jersey City and its Historic SitesHarriet Phillips Eaton
wigwag
verb -wags, -wagging or -wagged
noun
Word Origin for wigwag
C16: from obsolete wig, probably short for wiggle + wag 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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