■ noun
1》 a system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags or poles in certain positions according to an alphabetic code.
2》 an apparatus for signalling in this way, consisting of an upright with movable parts.
■ verb send by ~ or by signals resembling ~.
Derivatives
semaphoric adjective
semaphorically adverb
Origin
C19: from Fr. sémaphore , formed irregularly from Gk sēma 'sign' + -phoros .