I. ˈwiˌgwag, -aa(ə)g, -aig verb
Etymology: English dialect wig to move, shake (probably back-formation from English wiggle ) (I) + English wag (I)
intransitive verb
1. : to signal by waving a flag or portable light according to a code in which movements to the right and left are the elements of the code alphabet and a movement to the front indicates the end (as of a word or message)
2. : to make a signal (as with the hand or arm)
wigwags through the window of his office — advt
transitive verb
1. : to signal (as a message) by wigwagging
the mariner wigwagged the necessary directions — American Guide Series: Connecticut
2. : to cause to wigwag
wigwagged the white flags — Blue Book
II. noun
Usage: often attributive
1.
a. : the art or practice of wigwagging
no wireless reports … and the papers got their news by wigwag — Harland Manchester
the wigwag system
b. : a wigwagged message
2. : a polishing device used by watchmakers and clockmakers in which the polisher has a back-and-forth motion