wig-wag adjective, verb, & noun. ['wɪgwag] L16.
[Redupl. of WAG verb, noun¹ with vowel variation. Cf. WIGGLE-WAGGLE.]
A. adjective. Moving repeatedly to and fro; following a tortuous or zigzag course. rare. L16.
b. verb trans. & intrans. Infl. -gg-. (Cause to) move lightly to and fro, wag; esp. wave (a flag etc.) to and fro in signalling. L19.
Sun (Baltimore) The order: 'Splice the mainbrace' was wigwagged to all ships.
■ G. Talbot Wipers wig-wagging to keep windscreens clear.
■ R. Silverberg Alleluia was standing in the middle of the road, wigwagging her arms.
C. noun.
1. An act of waving a flag to and fro in signalling; a message sent by such means. L19.

2. Watchmaking. A machine operating a reciprocating polisher. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲