n.
  - a system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags or poles in certain positions according to an alphabetic code.
 - an apparatus for signalling in this way, consisting of an upright with movable parts.
 
v.
 send by semaphore or by signals resembling semaphore.
 
  Derivative
  
    - semaphoric adj.
  - semaphorically adv.
 
   
  Etymology
  C19: from Fr. sémaphore, formed irregularly from Gk sēma ‘sign’ + -phoros.