■ verb ( ~s , ~ding , ~ded )
1》 lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or as a signal.
↘signify or express in this way: he ~ded his consent.
↘( ~ something through ) informal approve something by general agreement and without discussion.
↘move one's head up and down repeatedly.
2》 let one's head fall forward when drowsy or asleep.
↘( ~ off ) informal fall asleep.
↘make a mistake due to a momentary lack of attention. [with allusion to L. dormitat Homerus 'even Homer ~s' (Horace Ars Poet. 359).]
3》 Soccer head (the ball) in a specified direction without great force.
■ noun an act of ~ding.
↘a gesture of acknowledgement or concession.
Phrases
a ~ding acquaintance a slight acquaintance.
be on ~ding terms know someone slightly.
give someone/thing the ~
1》 select or approve someone or something.
2》 give someone a signal.
on the ~ Brit. informal
1》 by general agreement and without discussion.
2》 dated on credit.
Origin
ME: perh. of Low Ger. origin.