— pantomimic /pan'teuh mim"ik/ , pantomimical , adj. — pantomimically , adv. — pantomimicry , n.
/pan"teuh muym'/ , n. , v. , pantomimed, pantomiming .
n.
1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.
2. a play or entertainment in which the performers express themselves mutely by gestures, often to the accompaniment of music.
3. significant gesture without speech.
4. an actor in dumb show, as in ancient Rome.
5. Also called Christmas pantomime . a form of theatrical spectacle common in England during the Christmas season, generally adapted from a fairy tale and including stock character types who perform songs and dances, tell jokes, etc.
v.t.
6. to represent or express in pantomime.
v.i.
7. to express oneself in pantomime.
[ 1580-90; earlier pantomimus pantómimos. See PANTO-, MIME ]