I. ˈbekən verb
( beckoned ; beckoned ; beckoning -k(ə)niŋ ; beckons )
Etymology: Middle English beknen, from Old English bīecnan, from bēacen sign — more at beacon
intransitive verb
1. : to gesture or signal typically with a wave, nod, or other motion in summons or command
he … beckoned to the other generals to come and stand where he stood — H.E.Scudder
2. : to appear inviting : offer strong attraction or allure
Australian goldfields beckoned, and he sailed — L.R.Hafen
sending his ships wherever profit beckoned — Time
transitive verb
1. : to signal to typically with a wave in summons or request to approach or follow
my guide beckoned me off the narrow path — John Connell
they beckoned us to come
2. : to seem to invite : extend attraction, interest, allure, or appeal to
it beckons men … into the calm of the absolute and eternal — John Dewey
II. noun
( -s )
: a signaling gesture especially to approach