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.