wigwag

[ wig-wag ]
/ ˈwɪgˌwæg /

verb (used with or without object), wig·wagged, wig·wag·ging.

to move to and fro.
Nautical. to signal by movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.

noun

Nautical. the act or process of sending messages by the movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.
a message so signaled.

Origin of wigwag

1575–85; wig to wag (now dial.) + wag; gradational compound, parallel to zigzag, etc.

OTHER WORDS FROM wigwag

wig·wag·ger, noun

Example sentences from the Web for wigwag

British Dictionary definitions for wigwag

wigwag
/ (ˈwɪɡˌwæɡ) /

verb -wags, -wagging or -wagged

to move (something) back and forth
to communicate with (someone) by means of a flag semaphore

noun

  1. a system of communication by flag semaphore
  2. the message signalled

Derived forms of wigwag

wigwagger, noun

Word Origin for wigwag

C16: from obsolete wig, probably short for wiggle + wag 1