–noun
1. a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc.: the gestures of an
orator; a threatening gesture.
2. the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
3. any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a
formality; considered expression; demonstration: a gesture of friendship.
–verb (used without object)
4. to make or use a gesture or gestures.
–verb (used with object)
5. to express by a gesture or gestures.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME <
ML gestū
ra mode of action, manner, bearing, equiv. to L gest(us)
ptp. of gerere to bear, carry on, perform + ūra -ure
"Rick made a gesture with his
finger pointing to a
1967 Ford truck that he wanted to buy."