wig-wag
Wave a flag
Wig-wag refers to back-and-forth motion, particularly in signaling systems.
Railroad wig-wags are crossing signals with a swinging red disc or lamp that oscillates to warn of approaching trains.
The term also applies to any flag or light signaling done by waving side to side in a prescribed pattern.
As a verb, to wig-wag means to send signals using such motion: The flagman wig-wagged the train to a stop.
Flag-based signaling system
- beaconGuiding light source
- indicatorSign revealing status
- activationSetting into operation
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
Repeated back-and-forth movement
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- back-and-forthAlternating reciprocal motion
- pendulumSuspended swinging weight
- swayRock back and forth
rock · wave · flutter · bob · pivot · alternation · rhythm · reciprocation
Flag-based signaling system
- telegraphyElectrical long-distance messaging
- messageTransmitted communication
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- transmissionSending of information
semaphore
Flag-based signaling system
- beaconGuiding light source
- indicatorSign revealing status
- activationSetting into operation
oscillation
Repeated back-and-forth movement
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- back-and-forthAlternating reciprocal motion
- pendulumSuspended swinging weight
sway · rock · wave · flutter · bob · pivot · alternation · rhythm · reciprocation · movement
semaphore
Flag-based signaling system
- telegraphyElectrical long-distance messaging
- messageTransmitted communication
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
locomotive
Railway pulling machine
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- watchmanBuilding security guard
- flagmanPerson directing traffic manually
gateman · interurban · trolley · streetcar