— nodder , n. — noddingly , adv.
/nod/ , v. , nodded, nodding , n.
v.i.
1. to make a slight, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command.
2. to let the head fall slightly forward with a sudden, involuntary movement when sleepy.
3. to doze, esp. in a sitting position: The speaker was so boring that half the audience was nodding.
4. to become careless, inattentive, or listless; make an error or mistake through lack of attention.
5. (of trees, flowers, plumes, etc.) to droop, bend, or incline with a swaying motion.
v.t.
6. to bend (the head) in a short, quick downward movement, as of assent or greeting.
7. to express or signify by such a movement of the head: to nod approval; to nod agreement.
8. to summon, bring, or send by a nod of the head.
9. to cause (something) to lean or sway; incline.
10. nod off , to fall asleep or doze, esp. in a sitting position: He was reprimanded for nodding off in class.
11. nod out , Slang. to fall asleep owing to the effects of a dose of a narcotic analgesic drug.
n.
12. a short, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command or because of drowsiness.
13. a brief period of sleep; nap.
14. a bending or swaying movement.
15. give the nod to , Informal. to express approval of; agree to: The board gave the nod to the new proposal.
16. on the nod ,
a. Brit. Slang. on credit.
b. Slang. drowsy following a dose of a narcotic drug.
[ 1350-1400; ME nodde, of uncert. orig. ]
Syn. 3. drowse.