sign language

Also called sign. any of several visual-gestural systems of communication, especially employing manual gestures, as used among deaf people.

any means of communication, as between speakers of different languages, using gestures.

Origin of sign language

First recorded in 1840–50

Harry's first stop was Kananelo Centre for the Deaf, where he joined in a sign-language lesson - the word 'Hi Harry!'

Harry Kids Around in Lesotho |Tom Sykes |February 27, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
The woman read them easily and replied in her own sign-language, which was wonderful to behold.

In the Brooding Wild |Ridgwell Cullum
From that lumber—it was said openly, and he had told it in sign-language to the braves, was to be built—a scaffold!

The Plow-Woman |Eleanor Gates
They were in a good frame of mind for listening, since the sign-language letter brought to them by the messenger of Kah-go-mish.

The Red Mustang |William O. Stoddard

The principal dish for the feast was, so far as they could make out from the cook's sign-language, a savory rabbit stew.

Susan Clegg and Her Love Affairs |Anne Warner
It is only when the sign-language is abused that its merit as a means of instruction degenerates.

Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886 |Various

sign language

another word for signing

any system of communication by manual signs or gestures