gesture

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: motiongesticulate

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
  2. the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signalsSynonyms: motion
  3. something done as an indication of intention“a political gesture”“a gesture of defiance”

Verb (1)

  1. show, express or direct through movement“He gestured his desire to leave”Synonyms: gesticulatemotion
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Gesture \Ges"ture\, n. [LL. gestura mode of action, fr. L. gerere, gestum, to bear, behave, perform, act. See Gest a deed.]

1.Manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Accubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by many nations.— Sir T. Browne.[1913 Webster]

2.A motion of the body or limbs expressive of sentiment or passion; any action or posture intended to express an idea or a passion, or to enforce or emphasize an argument, assertion, or opinion. [1913 Webster]

Humble and reverent gestures.— Hooker.[1913 Webster]
Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, In every gesture dignity and love.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Gesture \Ges"ture\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gestured; p. pr. & vb. n. Gesturing.] To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action; to gesticulate. [1913 Webster]

It is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]

Gesture \Ges"ture\, v. i. To make gestures; to gesticulate. [1913 Webster]

The players . . . gestured not undecently withal. --Holland. [1913 Webster]

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