v. & n.
v. (nodded, nodding) 1 intr. incline one's head slightly and briefly in greeting, assent, or command. 2 intr. let one's head fall forward in drowsiness; be drowsy. 3 tr. incline (one's head). 4 tr. signify (assent etc.) by a nod. 5 intr. (of flowers, plumes, etc.) bend downwards and sway, or move up and down. 6 intr. make a mistake due to a momentary lack of alertness or attention. 7 intr. (of a building etc.) incline from the perpendicular (nodding to its fall).
n. a nodding of the head. get the nod US be chosen or approved. nodding acquaintance (usu. foll. by with) a very slight acquaintance with a person or subject. nod off colloq. fall asleep. nod through colloq. 1 approve on the nod. 2 Brit. Parl. formally count (a Member of Parliament) as if having voted when unable to do so. on the nod colloq. 1 with merely formal assent and no discussion. 2 on credit. noddingly adv.
[ ME nodde, of unkn. orig. ]