n. & v.
--n.
1. Mil. etc. a system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags in certain positions according to an alphabetic code.
2 a signalling apparatus consisting of a post with a movable arm or arms, lanterns, etc., for use (esp. on railways) by day or night.
--v.intr. & tr. signal or send by semaphore.
Derivatives:
semaphoric adj. semaphorically adv.
Etymology: F s{eacute}maphore, irreg. f. Gk sema sign + -phoros -PHORE