GESTURE

gesture

(noun) motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

gesture

(noun) something done as an indication of intention; “a political gesture”; “a gesture of defiance”

gesture, motion

(noun) the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

gesticulate, gesture, motion

(verb) show, express or direct through movement; “He gestured his desire to leave”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

gesture (plural gestures)

A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.

An act or a remark made as a formality or as a sign of attitude.

(obsolete) The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.

Verb

gesture (third-person singular simple present gestures, present participle gesturing, simple past and past participle gestured)

(intransitive) To make a gesture or gestures.

(transitive) To express something by a gesture or gestures.

(transitive) To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action.

Synonyms

• ((intransitive) make a gesture): gesticulate

Hyponyms

• ((intransitive) make a gesture): beckon

Source: Wiktionary

Ges"ture, n. Etym: [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.] Accubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by many nations. Sir T. Browne.

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. Humble and reverent gestures. Hooker. Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, In every gesture dignity and love. Milton.

Ges"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gestured; p. pr. & vb. n. Gesturing.]

Definition: To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action; to gesticulate. It is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth. Hooker.

Ges"ture, v. i.

Definition: To make gestures; to gesticulate. The players . . . gestured not undecently withal. Holland.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition