WIGWAG

wigwag

(verb) signal by or as if by a flag or light waved according to a code

wigwag

(verb) send a signal by waving a flag or a light according to a certain code

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

wigwag (plural wigwags)

An act of wigwagging.

Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.

A device that causes one or more lights to flash in a preset pattern.

(film, television) A red light near the door of a sound stage that flashes to indicate that cameras are rolling inside the stage and that all people and vehicles outside should remain quiet; a red-eye.

(road transport) A device used to cause lamps installed on a motor vehicle, especially an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or police car, to flash as a warning.

(road transport) A device with multiple (often two), alternately flashing lights which is installed at a railway level crossing (or grade crossing), a movable bridge, etc, to warn vehicular traffic to stop.

(horology) An instrument that creates a wigwagging motion for polishing.

(road transport) A warning device inside the cabin of a truck that causes a mechanical arm to drop into view when the pressure in the airbrake system of the truck becomes too low for the brakes to be reliably deployed.

(US, rail transport, dated) A grade crossing signal with a swinging motion used to indicate an approaching train.

(US, military, historical) A signal sent by waving a flag to and fro.