Search the Dictionary

To show by a sign; to communicate by any conventional token, as words, gestures, signals, or the like; to announce; to make known; to declare; to express; as, a signified his desire to be present. I 'll to the king; and signify to him That thus I have resign'd my charge to you. Shak. The government should signify to th…

To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; -- sometimes done as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt. So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven. M. Arnold.

amatic performers; histrionic; hence, artificial; as, theatrical performances; theatrical gestures. -- The*at`ri*cal"i*ty, n. -- The*at"ric*al*ly, adv. No meretricious aid whatever has been called in -- no trick, no illusion of the eye, nothing theatrical. R. Jefferies.

erious; dreadful; also, odd; awkward; boorish; as, uncouth manners. "Uncouth in guise and gesture." I. Taylor. I am surprised with an uncouth fear. Shak. Thus sang the uncouth swain. Milton.

The act of vociferating; violent outcry; vehement utterance of the voice. Violent gesture and vociferation naturally shake the hearts of the ignorant. Spectator. Plaintive strains succeeding the vociferations of emotion or of pain. Byron.

ars a smile on her countenance. "He wears the rose of youth upon him." Shak. His innocent gestures wear A meaning half divine. Keble.