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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
noddingly adv.
Etymology: ME nodde, of unkn. orig.