SIGN TALK OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS (continued 2)

Fr. libre; Ger. frei.

Freeze over, Form ice. Sign for Cold, Water, then raise and move till the flat hands are touching in front, side by side, backs up and at arm’s length. (C) See Ice.

Fr. geler; Ger. gefrieren.

Friend, Friendship, or Chum (Brothers growing up together). Hold right N hand in front of neck, palm forward, pointing up; raise it head high, slightly advancing it. Alliance is sometimes used, or even Peace.

Fr. l’ami; Ger. der Freund.

Frog (Water hopper). Water; then with compressed right hand make long hops forward.

Fr. la grenouille; Ger. der Frosch.

From. Touch digit of right G hand to right shoulder, then throw it in a long sweep up and forward. Sometimes Indians use flat hand for this.

Fr. de; Ger. von.

Frost. Sign, Cold, White, and Strong.

Fr. la gelée; Ger. der Frost.

Fruit. Sign Tree, then make a ring of right index and thumb, others closed, and place it here and there in the branches, and add Eat. Compare Berry, Leaf, and Money.

Fr. le fruit; Ger. die Frucht.

Full. See Enough.

Future (Time ahead). Make the signs for Time and Far ahead. See also Will.

Fr. futur, l’avenir; Ger. zukünftig, die Zukunft.

G

Gallop. Sign Ride, then hold out flat hands, palm to palm, right in advance; work them up and down together, the tips describing vertical curves. Compare Fast and Work.

Fr. galoper; Ger. galoppieren.

Gamble. Hold the hands out level, six inches apart; swing to left and right simultaneously, in easy curves down and up, keeping them near each other as though swinging a tom tom. Compare Drive and Herd.

Fr. jouer; Ger. spielen.

Gap, Gorge, or Mountain Pass. Sign Mountains, then hold out left L hand, thumb pointing to left and upward, pass flat right between, touching at bottom.

Fr. le défilé; Ger. die Kluft, die Schlucht.

Garden. Strike down with right G as in Here, but in several directions, then add Plant and Eat.

Fr. le jardin; Ger. der Garten.

Gather. See Together.

Generous. Sign Heart and Big; or, Heart, Pities.

Fr. généreux; Ger. groszmütig, freigiebig.

Gentle. See Kind.

Gently. See Easy.

Get or Obtain (That is, he gets, or obtains). Reach out left hand, back up; then with right hand, grasp something on top of it; then close and draw back the right. If it is the first person who gets, finish by drawing the hand toward oneself. Sometimes omit left hand.

Fr. obtenir; Ger. erlangen, erhalten.

Get well. See Recover.

Ghost, Soul, or Spirit. Bring right G hand in front of centre of body, pointing down; then draw it upward, as though drawing the forefinger out of the mouth, upward and to the front and at the same time exhale a breath. (Scott.) The Cheyennes sign Big eyes (as in Owl), and shaking the hands at the same time. See Spirit.

Fr. l’esprit; Ger. der Geist.

Gift. Hold left hand, hollow up; with right hand pick an imaginary object out of the left; carry it forward, at the same time turning right hand flat, palm up, and fingers pointing down and forward. Or, sign Give and Free (2nd).

Fr. le cadeau; Ger. das Geschenk.

Girl (Woman sprout). Sign Female, Young.

Fr. la fille; Ger. das Mädchen.

Give. Hold out flat right, back to right, shoulder high; swing it out and down.

Fr. donner; Ger. geben.

Give you. Swing the hand from the person giving toward you. This, with the sign below, shows the beginning of a conjugation.

Give me. Bring the flat right hand well out in front of body, about height of neck, back of hand nearly to left, lower edge nearest to body, pointing upward; draw the hand in toward the body and a little down; at the same time, bend the hand and the wrist so the fingers touch the chest. Compare Tell me and Half-Breed.

Fr. donnez moi; Ger. geben Sie mir.

Give it up. See Abandon.

Give up, Lose hope, or Discouraged. See Sorrow.

Glad, Pleasant, Happy, or Merry (Sunshine in the heart). Sign Heart and Day.

Fr. heureux; Ger. froh, glücklich.

Glitter or Shining (The mirror signal). Hold out the L hand with index pointing forward, back up. Rotate with a flash, or jerk so the thumb is upright and back to its original pose. Do this once or twice. See Courting and Sweetheart.

Fr. étinceler; Ger. glitzern.

Gloomy, Cross, or Sullen (Clouds close). Sign Clouds, then draw them down near head. (C) Or, sign Thinking and Bad. Compare Cross and Angry.

Fr. sombre; Ger. finster, trübe.

Glory or Fame. Sign All, Good, Know. See Famous.

Fr. la gloire; Ger. der Ruhm.

Glow, Splendor, Wonderful (Spread in the sky). Hold up both 5 hands, palms forward, pointing up, at arm’s length, nearly level; raise up very high and at the same time spread widely. A much-used and very plastic sign. May sometimes mean Weather.

Fr. la splendeur; Ger. das Glühen, die Pracht.

Go, Went, or Travel. Hold flat right hand, back to right, breast high, pointing to front and down; swing it up and out till the fingers point forward and upward. Often combined with Arrive there.

Fr. aller; Ger. gehen.

Going. Hold up right G, palm forward; move it forward in short pushes.

Fr. allant; Ger. gehend.

Go away, Go ahead, Go farther (Imperative). Hold flat right hand in front of body, palm forward, fingers upright; move the hand to front in a slight curve to right; repeat once or twice. See Begin.

Fr. allez! Ger. gehen Sie!

Goat. Sign Horns, with the straight G fingers on each side of head, and Beard. Sometimes omit Horns, signing only Beard.

Fr. la chèvre; Ger. die Ziege.

God (The Great Mystery). Sign Medicine and Great.

Fr. Dieu; Ger. Gott.

Gold. Sign Money and Yellow, or Hard and Yellow.

For Gold coin sign, Chief, Money.

Fr. l’or; Ger. das Gold.

Gone. See Absent.

Good, All right, Level, Fair, Just (Level with the heart). Hold the flat extended right hand, back up, level, touching the left breast; swing the hand briskly out to front and slightly up in a curve.

Fr. bon; Ger. gut.

Good-bye. Hold right hand flat, palm down, pointing forward horizontally at height of head and shake the hand up and down by wrist action. A whiteman’s sign recently adopted by Indians.

Fr. adieu, au revoir; Ger. lebe wohl!

Good-morning. Sign Day and Good.

Fr. bonjour; Ger. guten Morgen.

Goose. Sign Bird, moving the wing hands slowly; hold both flat hands low, side by side, a little apart, backs up; push them down sharply a few inches, for flat feet. Sometimes also make the honk sound.

Fr. l’oie; Ger. die Gans.

Gorge. See Gap.

Gossip. See Telltale.

Grain, of any kind. Hold both hands hollow together, as in Bowl; shake, then point to the hollow of the left with right G. (Sheeaka.) The exact kind must be Wheat is Bread and Sow; Oats is Horse, Eat, Sow.

Fr. le grain; Ger. das Getreide.

Grandchild. With the flat right, pat one’s own back where the baby is carried. Among the Cheyennes, only the grandmother uses this.

Grand Coup. See Count Coup.

Grandfather. Sign Old and Father.

Grandfather (Father once removed). Sign Father, then hold curved left hand in front of body, palm in; and on outer side make the sign Father again. For Great grandfather, repeat the sign for Father once more. For Ancestors, many times. (Crow signs given me by La Forge.)

Fr. le grandpère; Ger. der Groszvater.

Grandmother. As above, but use Mother sign. (LaF.)

Grandmother. Sign Old, Mother.

Fr. la grand-mère; Ger. die Groszmutter.

Grasp. See Keep.

Grass. Hold both hands low, palms up; turn all fingers upward straight and swing hands slightly apart. For Grass growing, raise the hands a little. Compare Children.

Fr. l’herbe, le gazon; Ger. das Gras, der Rasen.

Gratitude. Use Thank you sign. Or else raise the flat right hand, palm forward and face high; draw it downward in a sweep several times as though stroking the other person’s breast. For emphasis use both hands.

Fr. la reconnaissance; Ger. die Dankbarkeit.

Grave. Hold out both flat hands, thumbs up, six inches apart, pointing level forward; draw them back level to you, sign Die; then hold out left flat hand as before and slap on it two or three times with the flat right, for cover up.

Fr. le tombeau; Ger. das Grab.

Great. Hold out the slightly curved 5 hands in front of breast, few inches apart, palms toward each other, pointing to front; separate hands the right to the right and up a little and near the body; the left to the left and down a little and farther away. Compare Big and Wide. Sometimes use Much or High.

Fr. grand; Ger. grosz.

Greater than. Sign Ahead, Great. So also Less than would be Behind, Small.

Fr. plus grand que; Ger. gröszer als.

Grief. See Sorrow.

Grieve. Sign Heart, Down. See Give up and Mourn.

Fr. se chagriner, pleurer; Ger. trauern.

Ground. See Land.

Grouse or Prairie Chicken. Sign Bird and show size; then with right hand low, palm up, fingers closed except first curved up like neck, imitate forward walking. (Sioux.) Sign Bird then indicate fast wing beats and whirring. (Blackfoot.) Sign Bird and Tail cut off. (Cheyenne.)

Fr. la gelinotte; Ger. das Waldhuhn.

Grow, Become, or Turn into. Hold right G hand low, back down, index finger pointing upward, in front of body; raise the hand by gentle jerks.

Fr. pousser, croître, devenir; Ger. wachsen, werden.

Guide (Verb). (Show trail and Lead.) Point with right index forward and downward; then add Lead. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. conduire; Ger. führen, leiten.

Guide (Noun). Hold up left 5 hand, little finger forward, and ahead of the right G, all moved forward in easy swings.

Fr. le guide; Ger. der Führer.

Gun. Make the motion of holding and aiming a gun; then add Fire-off. For Rifle, add the working of the lever.

Fr. le fusil, la carabine; Ger. das Gewehr.

Gun, i.e., Shot-gun, sign Gun, then clasp the hands twice and hold up two fingers. See Revolver.

Fr. le fusil de chasse; Ger. die Flinte.

Gun-fire. See Fire.

Gun-powder. Sign Gun and Powder.

Fr. la poudre à canon; Ger. das Schiesspulver.

H

Habit (Thought bound). With G forefinger draw a small circle on forehead, then sign Prisoner. (D)

Habit (Road smoothed by repeated strokes). Sweep the flat hands, palms down, back and forth; then strike three times down with the right G. (Sheeaka.) Or sign Way and Keep. (Seger.)

Habit (Long time the same). Hold out left G, draw right G back from left knuckles to shoulder; add Same.

Fr. l’habitude; Ger. die Gewohnheit.

Hail. Sign Rain, Cold, and with curved right index on thumb indicate size of stones.

Fr. la grêle; Ger. der Hagel.

Hair (Of animal). Hold out left forearm horizontally in front of body and sweep the curved right 5 hand, palm up, along it from elbow to wrist. For Human hair, touch one’s own hair. Compare Wing.

Fr. le poil; Ger. der Pelz.

Half. Hold left flat hand in front of breast, back out. Lay the lower edge of right flat hand on upper edge of left index, in middle, and jerk it toward the tips of left. Sometimes the right hand alone is used edge downward, drawn back and down as though its under side were cutting something. Compare Part.

Fr. le demi, la moitié; Ger. die Hälfte.

Half-breed. With flat right hand pointing up, little finger next middle of the breast, palm to right, halve the body down breast, swing it far to left, return to centre, then swing far to right and give the tribal sign for each half. Or, give the first sign only; that is, the hand cutting in the middle.

Fr. le métis; Ger. der Mischling.

Halt or Stop. Hold the right flat hand, palm outward and downward, in front of the body, pointing upward and to front, hand about height of shoulders; move the hand sharply to front and downward, stopping it suddenly. Sometimes merely raise the hand flat forward.

This means also Keep quiet, Wait a moment, etc., when made gently. “This sign is world wide. In a journey around the world, I have used it in every country visited and found it instantly recognized. I saw a train stopped by it in the Himalayas, also jinrikishas stopped in Java, Singapore, Saigon, Canton, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, and Manila.” (Scott.)

Fr. Halte! Ger. Halt!

Halve. Same as Half; but jerk one part to right and one to left. (C)

Fr. couper ou diviser en deux; Ger. halbieren.

For One-Quarter, lay the “knife hand” at last joint of left index; for Three-Quarters, near base; see also Quarter.

Fr. le quart; Ger. das Viertel.

Handsome. See Beautiful.

Hang (To be executed). Swing the right L hand over the head down to the neck, palm in; close the thumb and

Fr. pendre; Ger. hängen.

Hang. Hang right G index like a hook on straight left G index.

Fr. accrocher; Ger. aufhängen.

Hanker. See Want.

Happen. See Luck.

Happy. See Glad.

Happy Hunting Ground. Sign Die, Beyond, and Dwell.

Fr. les Champs Elysées des Indiens; Ger. die seligen Jagdgefilde.

Hard (Like rock). Hold out the left hand flat, edge down, and strike the palm with the knuckles of the right two or three times.

Fr. dur; Ger. hart.

Hat (Head cover). Bring the L right hand, back outward, in front, close to, and a little above the head; lower the hand until thumb and index are about opposite the eyes; spread thumb and index, passing down close to forehead.

Fr. le chapeau; Ger. der Hut.

Hatchet. See Axe.

Hate. Hold up both hands opposite left side of face in pose for Fire-off, back of each to its side; spring both out as in Fire-off, to left side, turning the left very little, so that it shoots forward; the right shoots to the left. Compare Abandon and Scorn; also Defiance. Sheeaka used only Defiance sign.

Fr. détester; Ger. hassen.

Have (To possess). See Possession.

Have to, Bound to, Must, Obliged to, Compelled to (Bound down). Sign Prisoner and Work. Or, That, Work, Strong.

Fr. être obligé; Ger. müssen.

Hawk. First make Bird sign, then imitate the seizing of the prey with both feet hawk-fashion, by means of both hands placed in front of body opposite neck, palms outward, make grasping motion forward. (Scott.) Or sign Bird and with curved G indicate bill. See Eagle.

Fr. le faucon; Ger. der Habicht.

He. Make the sign Male; or point with the thumb, other fingers closed.

Fr. il; Ger. er.

Headache. Touch head; then hold curved flat hand near and flirt the fingers from behind the thumb two or three times to show the throbbing.

Fr. le mal de tête; Ger. das Kopfweh.

Healthy. See Well.

Heap or Very Much. With curved hands show shape, beginning at the lowest points. Compare Many, Mound, and Much.

Fr. l’amas, le tas; Ger. der Haufe(n).

Hear. Move the right G hand (pointed forward) from behind the right ear, past the ear and forward. Compare Listen and Indian Nez Percé.

Fr. entendre; Ger. hören.

Heart. Bring the compressed right hand against the left breast, over heart and pointing downward.

Fr. le coeur; Ger. das Herz.

Heat. See Hot.

Heaven. Simply point up with right G, back to right and head high. Compare Heavens and Happy Hunting Ground; also, Tall.

Fr. le paradis; Ger. der Himmel, das Paradies.

Heavens, Skies, or Sky. Hold both flat hands palms down, tips touching, over and in front of the head; sweep them down sidewise in outline of the dome. Compare Clouds, Carriage, Hot Weather.

Fr. le ciel; Ger. der Himmel.

Heavy (Cannot hold up). Hold flat hands, a few inches apart, at same level, backs down, in front of body and pointing to front. Raise them slightly and let them drop several inches, finishing low. Compare Light.

Fr. lourd; Ger. schwer.

Help. Hold left forearm horizontally in front of body, hand A, and place flat right hand under left forearm and lift it slightly. (Sheeaka; borrowed from the Deaf.) Or, sign Work and With.

Fr. aider; Ger. helfen.

Her. See Possession.

Herd of Animals. Hold out left 5 fingers a little curved, level, far advanced, shoulder high, backs up and out; moved forward and a little down together. For Herd grazing hold right 5 over left 5 wrist; draw right back toward body in a slight arc up and down.

Fr. le troupeau; Ger. die Herde.

Herd (Verb). See Drive.

Here (This spot). Swing the right G, back up, from pointing up, to forward and down; then stab toward the ground two or three times. Compare Down, Earth, Place.

Fr. ici; Ger. hier.

He who. See Doer.

Hide, To Cache, Conceal, or Lose. Swing the flat or else compressed right hand, palm down, under the flat left hand held in front, palm down; the left hand rests on the right at end of sign. (Sheeaka.) Sometimes add Hush. Compare Enter and Night.

Fr. cacher; Ger. verstecken.

Hide (Skin). Hold extended left hand, back up, in front of body, and with the right thumb and forefinger Robe.

Fr. la peau; Ger. das Fell.

High or Height. Hold the flat right hand, back nearly up, pointing to front, in front of right shoulder; raise the hand according to the height intended. If it refers to humans, hold the right hand (compressed or G) vertically pointing upward. (C) To show height of small objects or animals, hold the flat left, palm up, under right. See Tall.

Fr. haut; Ger. hoch.

Higher. See Superior.

Hill, Bluff, or Butte. Push right A fist, back out, straight up, face high. For plural use both hands moved alternately up and down at different places. Compare Ridge, Lump, and Mountain.

Fr. la colline; Ger. der Hügel.

His. See Possession.

History or Story (Pictures of the past). Hold up flat left, palm forward, and sketch on palm with right G; then sign Past. (C) Or, Sign Long, Past, Tell me.

Fr. l’histoire; Ger. die Geschichte.

Hit (To make a hit). See Count Coup.

Hoax (To wolf or beguile). Sign I, Make, Him, Wolf. (Seger.)

Fr. mystifier; Ger. jemandem etwas aufbinden.

Hog or Pig. Indicate size, then with a circle of two thumbs and two index fingers in front of mouth show muzzle; last, with flat right hand, or flat fist back up, make a snout and root. Usually give only the last sign.

Fr. le cochon; Ger. das Schwein.

Hold (to hold a prisoner). Arms in a level circle, flat right hand inside flat left and overlapping, both palms toward you; swing to right and left. Compare Defend, Keep, and Corral.

Fr. tenir prisonnier; Ger. gefangen halten.

Hole. Form a circle with thumbs and fingers of L hands. If need be, for clearness, hold left hand in position and pass the compressed right through the imaginary hole. Compare Cook and Boil.

Fr. le trou; Ger. das Loch.

Holler. See Yell.

Home. Sign My, Teepee.

Fr. la demeure, le foyer, le chez-soi; Ger. das Heim.

Home-sickness. Sign Heart, Want, and Teepee.

Fr. le mal du pays; Ger. das Heimweh.

Honest (Straight walk). Point right G straight forward from near throat; push it down and up in a slight curve till it is upright, then push it forward in two or three little jerks. See also True.

Fr. honnête, intègre; Ger. ehrlich.

Honor (Upon my honor). With right index draw a small cross on the heart. (Pop.)

Fr. parole d’ honneur! Ger. auf Ehre! bei meiner Ehre!

Hope. Sign Heart, Want.

Fr. l’espoir; Ger. die Hoffnung.

Horse. Hold the flat left hand, back to front, before face, fingers level; move it to right; and then, for a moment, place the first and second fingers of right astride it, as in Ride. Some omit the last gesture. The movements of the hand indicate the height, action, and speed of the horse.

Fr. le cheval; Ger. das Pferd.

Horseman. Sign Man and Ride. Or, place the V right astride of the flat left and push both to right.

Fr. le cavalier; Ger. der Reiter.

Hot or Heat (As water or iron). Hold the hand as in Feel; touch the middle right finger tip to tongue; reach it forward and down, as though touching a hot iron, quickly jerking it back. (A northern sign understood by Cheyennes.) The use of the middle finger is general, no doubt because it is longest.

Fr. chaud; Ger. heisz.

Hot weather (Rays of sun beating down). Hold the 5 hands a few inches apart, backs up, above and in front of head, pointing toward each other. Lower the hands to level of face.

Fr. les grandes chaleurs; Ger. das heisze Wetter.

Hot or Sweating (Personally). Draw right index crooked across the brow, left to right, as though to run off the sweat, others and thumb closed.

Hotel. See Restaurant.

Hour. See Time.

House. Indicate the double slope of the roof by flat hands, pointing nearly up and joined together at the tips. Some use only the next sign for House.

Fr. la maison; Ger. das Haus.

House of logs (Corners of a log house). Bring the hands in front of body and interlock the fingers near tips, fingers at nearly right angles and horizontal. Some add Roof by joining tips of flat hands as in House. Compare Basket.

Fr. la cabane en bois, la hutte; Ger. das Blockhaus.

How! or Ho! The Indian salutation is sometimes used with hand salute; that is, all fingers closed except index and middle, as in Friend.

Fr. Ho! Ger. Grüsz Gott!

How? See Question.

How many? See Question.

How much? See Question.

Hundred (Whole circle of tens). Hold up both 5 hands, palms forward, opposite right shoulder; thumbs nearly touching; swing to left and down. Precede this with one for one hundred, two for two hundred, etc.

Fr. cent; Ger. hundert.

Hungry or Hunger (Cuts one in two). Draw the lower edge of flat right hand, back down, across the stomach; emphasize by drawing back and forth.

Fr. avoir faim, la faim; Ger. hungrig sein, der Hunger.

Hunt or Searching for (In the sense of seeking for). The fingers of the right V hand brought near the eye, but pointing forward; then swing horizontally from side to side, the eye looking wherever they point. Compare Choose, Find, and Look. Or, shade the right eye with the right hand and swing the head. (Pop.)

Fr. chercher; Ger. suchen.

Hunting (With gun or bow). Hold out both G hands, one behind the other; swing in up-curves forward and sidewise, but always one behind the other.

Fr. chasser; Ger. jagen.

Hurry, to Come or to Go quickly. Make the sign for Come (or Go) three or four times, very quickly and emphatically. (Sheeaka.)

Hurry (Ride fast). Jump the flat hands up and down before you, quickly, palms up. Compare Light, which is similar, but slower.

Fr. se dépêcher; Ger. eilen.

Husband. Make sign Male and Marry.

Fr. le mari; Ger. der Mann; der Gatte.

Hush. See Silence and Halt.

Hypocrite. Sign Wolf and Like. Or Face and Two. According to Ruggles, the Paiutes sometimes use this second combination for Liar; the Cheyennes understand it but do not use it.

Fr. le hypocrite; Ger. der Heuchler.

I

I, Me, Myself, Mine. For I touch the centre of the breast with the right thumb extended, other fingers closed. This and the next are used indiscriminately by the Cheyennes.

Me is touching the breast with point of compressed fingers.

My. Lay the A hand on the forehead, palm to left, thumb pointing up; swing it forward and down level; that is, sign Possession, assuming the first person.

Fr. je, moi, mien; Ger. Ich, mich, mein.

Ice. Sign Water and Hard. Sometimes add Cold.

Fr. la glace; Ger. das Eis.

Icicle. Sign Water and Cold; then hold up right G, pointing downward and dropped a little.

Fr. le glaçon; Ger. der Eiszapfen.

Idea, Thought (Thought expressed). Lay the right G on the forehead, pointing up, palm to left; swing it down to horizontal at mouth level, then push it straight forward and up in a curve. Compare So.

Fr. l’idée; la pensée; Ger. die Idee, der Gedanke.

Idle. Sign Work and Not.

Fr. paresseux; Ger. müszig.

If, Doubt, Undecided, Perhaps, or Maybe so (Heart looking two ways). Lay the right V hand on the heart, pointed down and to left front; rotate the hand on the wrist so the back is alternately up and out. When perplexity) are to be expressed, use all fingers extended. See Consider.

Fr. si, peut-être; Ger. wenn, ob, vielleicht.

Ignorance (I don’t know). Shrug shoulders and raise one flat hand. (Pop.) Or, sign Know, Not. Compare Forget.

Fr. l’ignorance; Ger. die Unwissenheit.

Imperative Mood. Sign the verb in question, then strike the flat right, palm down, onto the flat left, palm up. Or add Push. (C)

Impossible. Sign Can and Not. See also Cannot. The Cheyennes use True, Not.

Fr. impossible; Ger. unmöglich.

Imprison. See Arrest.

In, Inside, or Within (To put into). Make a semicircle of the left arm held out level; then drop the compressed right hand downward between the left and the body. Outside begins the same, but the right drops outside the left.

Inside, i.e., in a Hole. Make a horizontal ring of the left index and thumb, then drop the right index down into it. For a house, use Enter.

Fr. en, dedans, dans; Ger. in, drin, im Innern.

Incite. Sign Push, Talk, and Go; that is, try to talk into going.

Fr. inciter; Ger. anreizen.

Increase. Hold out the flat hands, palm to palm, well apart at same height; separate them more and more in slight jerks; or, if it is more explicit, do it with the flat hands one above the other. See Add to. Compare Decrease.

Fr. augmenter; Ger. vermehren, vergröszern.

Indian. With the tips of right flat fingers, rub the side of the flat left held out back up, in short strokes; meaning reddish, because all men’s hands out west are red at this place. Compare Smooth.

Indian. Indicate the eagle feather at back of head. (Sheeaka.) Or sign Man and Red. (Scott.)

Fr. l’Indien; Ger. der Indianer.

Indian Tribe or Nation. Give the Tribal sign and add All in each case.

Indian Tribal signs:

Apache. (Probably using the notched-stick fiddle). Draw the right G finger up and down along the left G several times, from near the point to the base, a foot long each stroke. Compare Poor.

Arapahoe. With all fingers of right hand compressed so the points are together, tap the left breast, that is, sign Mother. As Sherman Coolidge tells me, the Arapahoes claim theirs to have been the mother of all tribes. In the south, the sign is rub the side of the nose with the right G, referring to their one-time salutation of nose-rubbing.

Banak. Sign for Lodge and Bad. (C)

Blackfeet. Sign for Moccasin and Black.

Caddo. Draw the right N over the left N from the tips back to the knuckles (because they wore pants). (Father Isadore.)

Cheyennes. (Perhaps meaning “striped tail,” because they used turkey feathers; or, more likely, “finger-choppers,” because they chopped their fingers when in mourning.)Often and And all the time.

Chippewa. See Ojibwa.

Comanche. Sign for Snake, pushing the hand forward. Compare Shoshoni. (Seger.)

Cree. Sign Rabbit, People; but usually omit People.

Crow. Sign Bird slowly. Sometimes only one hand. Or hold S hand, palm forward, at brow for “Pompadour Indians.”

Dakota. See Sioux.

Flathead. See Koutenais.

Gros Ventre. Sign Big Belly.

Hopi. Sign Dance and Snake.

Kiowa. With the tips of the flat right, palm up, back to left, describe an upright ellipse near the right ear; because they used to cut their hair on that side to show the ear ornaments or ear painted red.

Koutenai. Sign for White-tailed Deer. (C)

Mandan (Tattooed chin and cheek). With right hand compressed so all tips touch, tap the chin and jaw. (C)

Navaho (Makers of striped blankets). Sign for Work, Blanket, and Striped.

Nez Percé (Pierced nose). Pass index of right G hand level under nose from right to left. Compare Hear.

Ojibwa or Chippewa (Living in the Woods). Sign Tree and People; or sign Paddle, People. (Blackfoot.)

Osage (Shaved heads). Rub the flat right hand, palm out, over the side of the head and down, as though shaving the head; the little finger being the sharp edge.

Paiute. Sign Rabbit, Robe.

Pawnee (Wolf). Hold up the right V hand, palm forward, near right ear; then swing finger-tips forward.

Piegan. Rotate half closed hand, palm in, near right cheek.

Pueblo. Sign Two Quivers; that is, Arrow, Two; then drop compressed left once or twice into C right hand.

Sac (Shaved heads). Same as Osage sign.

Shoshoni or Snake Indians. Sign for Snake and sometimes add Bad, Lodge.

Sioux (Cut throats). Draw the right G finger across the throat.

Uncapapa (From their position in camp). Sign for Sioux and Encamp, then make an incomplete circle with index fingers and thumbs; then, holding left in pose, strike last joint of index with tip of right G and similarly right index with tip of left G. (C)

Ute. Sign Black and Red.

Wichita (Tattooed rings). With right G finger tap the forehead in a circle.

Yankton. Sign for Sioux and Nez Percé. (C)

Indian Agent. See Agent.

Indifference (None of my business). Both hands held down by the thighs; at the same time a shrug of the shoulders. (Pop.)

Fr. l’indifférence; Ger. die Gleichgültigkeit.

Infantry. Sign Soldiers and Walk.

Fr. l’infanterie; Ger. die Fusztruppen, die Infanterie.

Inferior (To one). Hold up both G fingers, the one representing the inferior much lower.

Inferior (To many). For several inferiors use the 5 hand to represent them, while the G of the other hand up high represents the superior.

Fr. inférieur; Ger. untergeordnet.

Inhabit. See Dwell.

Injure, Doing evil to. If with reference to another person, make sign for Work and Bad. If with reference to one’s self, make signs Do, to me, Bad.

Fr. faire du mal; Ger. beschädigen.

Innocent. See Clean-handed.

In order that. See So that.

Inside. See In.

Interrogate. See Question or Query.

Intervene. See Come between.

Invalid. See Sick one.

Investigating. See Searching; also Consider.

Iron. See Metal.

Island (Round thing surrounded by water). Sign Land, then with L hands make a horizontal circle; hold left hand in pose, sign Water with right hand; then compress Lake.

Fr. l’île; Ger. die Insel.

Itching. Scratch the left palm with nail of the right G index; or else the thigh.

Fr. la démangeaison; Ger. das Jucken.

J

Jealous (Elbowing aside). Hold the fists near the breast; alternately swing each elbow out and back a little. (C)

Jealous (Hide and stab). Hold out flat left, back up, and with right G stab under it once or twice.

Fr. jaloux; Ger. eifersüchtig.

Jesus (The Cross above). The right G finger upright and crossed on top with the left G; this cross then placed above the eyes, the face looking upward; then the cross pushed toward the sky to the full extent of the arms. The real meaning being, “He who was crucified and is now in heaven.” (Scott.) Or sign Big, Medicine, Child.

Fr. Jésus; Ger. Jesus.

Joke (Play talk). Sign Play; that is, hold the right 5 hand near the mouth, back down, fingers a little curved; swing the hand forward and upward; then add Talk.

Fr. la plaisanterie; Ger. der Scherz.

Joyous. Sign Heart, Glad, and Sing. (C) Sign Heart, Happy, or Playing.

Fr. joyeux; Ger. fröhlich.

Judge. See Consider.

Jump (Human). Stand right V on left palm; assume these to be legs and make them jump up and down. (Sheeaka.)

Jump or Spring (Anything). Hold compressed right hand, pointing to left, near right shoulder; swing it up forward and down in a long curve. Also used for Animal, in which case use several short jumps.

Fr. sauter; Ger. springen.

Junior. See Younger; also Inferior.

Just or Fair. From a position near each side, bring the extended O hands, palms inward, together so the tips of right thumb and index touch tips of left thumb and index, like two balance pans side by side. (D) Or, sign True and Same, or Good.

Fr. juste; Ger. gerecht.

Just so. Make the sign Yes once or twice; or else, use True.

Fr. justement, précisément cela; Ger. genau so, ganz richtig.

K

Keep, Grasp, or Remember. Hold out flat right hand, back to right, fingers level; hold up left G hand, back to left; swing them together; grasp left index in closed Hold and Remember.

Fr. tenir, retenir; Ger. halten, behalten.

Keep close. Sign Good and Near. (C)

Keep quiet. Sign Stop and Sit down, or simply Stop. See Hush.

Fr. taisez vous, tenez vous tranquille! Ger. ruhig sein! schweigen!

Kettle. Indicate the shape of the mouth with both L hands; then, holding left unchanged, pass the right G into it; then, with right, lift as if by a handle. Some omit the “handle.” Compare Basket and Cook.

Fr. le chaudron, la chaudière; Ger. der Kessel.

Kidney. Hold up the two compressed hands, then swing them back against the kidneys.

Fr. le rein, (d’animal) le rognon; Ger. die Niere.

Kill, Overcome, Win, or Be victor (Striking with a club). Hold the right A hand, back nearly up, in front of shoulder, back of hand making a slight angle with wrist; strike to the front, downward and little to left, stopping hand suddenly and giving it slight rebound. For Kill me or Beat me, make the sign toward one’s self.

Fr. tuer, vaincre; Ger. tot schlagen, siegen.

Kin, Kinsman, or Kinship. Sign Brother and Distant or Near, as the case may be.

Fr. le parent; Ger. der Verwandte.

Kind or Gentle. Sign Heart and Good.

Fr. aimable; Ger. freundlich, sanft.

King’s X. See Fins.

Knife (Penknife or Jack-knife). (Whittling a stick.) With right A hand make motion of whittling the index finger of the left G hand. (Blackfoot and Pop.) The Cheyennes sign Cut and Bend.

Fr. le canif, le couteau; Ger. das Messer, das Taschenmesser.

Knife or Dagger. Thumb up straight, rest of fingers closed, hand at side. (Pop.) Compare He, Turn down, and Opossum.

Knife. Hold left hand near mouth, then with lower edge of flat right make as though cutting off a piece of meat held between the left hand and the teeth. Understood but not used by Cheyennes. They indicate length with right G on flat left back and add Cut.

Fr. le couteau, le poignard; Ger. das Messer, der Dolch.

Know or Be acquainted with. Sign Know, as below.

Fr. connaître; Ger. kennen.

Know or Understand (See, it is in my heart). Lay the right L hand, back up, on heart; swing it out, up in a slight curve, and down a little, palm up.

Fr. comprendre, savoir; Ger. wissen, verstehen.

Know, I don’t. Shrug the shoulders and shake the head and raise the right hand open, palm up, to level of shoulder, inclining the head to the side. (Pop.) Compare Don’t care.

Know, I know what I’m doing (Perhaps “I smell a rat” is the verbal form of the sign). Lay the right index on right side of nose. (Pop.)

Fr. je ne suis pas aveugle; Ger. ich weiss was ich mache.

Knowledge or Intelligence. Tap the forehead and add Big. Compare Conceit.

Fr. le savoir, l’intelligence; Ger. die Kenntnis, das Wissen.

L

Labor. See Work.

Lake. Sign Water and with both L hands make an incomplete horizontal circle, then bring wrists together and swing finger tips apart. The last gesture is to suggest Wide. Compare Island.

Fr. le lac; Ger. der See.

Lame (Bobbing of horse’s head). Right A hand out in front, back up, moved forward a little and at the same time jerked down by wrist action and to left; repeat. Compare Old and Kill.

Fr. boiteux; Ger. lahm.

Land, Country, Ground, or Earth (Flat and extended). Pat toward ground with one or both flat hands; then swing them apart, flat, palms down, on a broad upward sweep left and right.

Fr. la campagne, la terre; Ger. das Land, die Erde.

Lantern. Sign Enclosure, but make it perpendicular; then in the same space sign Fire twice.

Fr. la lanterne; Ger. die Laterne.

Large. See Big and High.

Lasso. Sign Rope, then hold right L hand over right shoulder, back nearly to right, index pointing up; throw it forward, upward, and down, close index and thumb and jerk the hand back. Often omit Rope.

Fr. le lasso; Ger. die Wurfschlinge.

Last. Hold up the left 5 hand, thumb nearest you; push it straight away, then tap the thumb with the G of the other hand. (Sheeaka.)

Last (One, After). Hold up 5 left hand and, away behind it, the G right. (Blackfoot.) Compare First and Guide.

Fr. le dernier; Ger. der Letzte.

Last year. Sign Winter, Beyond.

Fr. l’année passée; Ger. voriges Jahr.

Late. See After.

Laugh. Hold both curved 5 hands, palms up, near the sides, a foot apart; then shake them up and down. Compare Play.

Fr. rire; Ger. lachen.

Law (Written road). Sign Write, then Across two or three times. Compare Council (No. 2.)

Fr. la loi; Ger. das Gesetz.

Lawyer. Whiteman, Law, and Know.

Fr. l’avocat; Ger. der Advokat.

Lazy or Tired. Shake the head, throw it back, then drop both nearly open, hands limply, one held out at each side motionless. Compare Weak and Tired.

Fr. paresseux, fatigué; Ger. faul, träge, müde.

Lead. With right hand fingers grasp the flat left hand and drag it forward. (Sheeaka; borrowed from the Deaf.) Sometimes used also for Teacher.

Lead. Hold right A hand high in front of right shoulder, back to right; move it forward by gentle jerks, as though leading a pony. See Guide.

Fr. conduire; Ger. führen.

Leaf. Sign Tree, then shake right hand shoulder high, with thumb and index pointed nearly up, forming an incomplete circle, others closed. Compare Money and Fruit.

Fr. la feuille; Ger. das Blatt.

Learn. Sign Book, then follow the lines with the right G finger and last draw it to Me. Or sign Book, Look, Know, making the last sign once or twice toward the Book. See Lesson.

Fr. apprendre; Ger. lernen.

Leggings. Draw the L hands, backs out, one on each leg from well down to near hips.

Fr. les grandes guêtres; Ger. die ledernen Gamaschen.

Lend, Loan, or Borrow. Sign Give you (or me) and By and By, Give me (or you). Or, Give, Little while.

Fr. prêter, emprunter; Ger. leihen, borgen.

Less (Compressed). Hold the open flat hands a foot or two apart, palm to palm, one above the other. Hold the lower hand stationary and then draw the upper in jerks down toward the lower. See Decrease.

Fr. moins; Ger. weniger.

Let it alone. See Abandon.

Letter (Sticking on the stamp). Indicate size of letter, then close right hand, thumb extended; wet thumb end on lips and press on open left palm.

Fr. la lettre; Ger. der Brief.

Level, All right. See Good, also Prairie.

Liar. Make sign for Lie; then indicate the person. To add the intensive Very much makes it equivalent to the strong and unprintable English expression that is used in extreme cases.

Fr. le menteur; Ger. der Lügner.

Liberal. See Generous.

Liberate. Sign Prisoner, throw the hands up and apart, then add Go. (C) See Pardon.

Fr. délivrer; Ger. befreien.

Lie or False (Two tongues or forked tongue). Hold the right V hand, back out, a little in front and to the right of mouth, and pointing to left; move the hand to left, past mouth, and downward.

Fr. le mensonge; Ger. die Lüge.

Life. See Alive.

Light (Not dark). See Day.

Light (Not heavy). Hold out both flat hands, palms up; raise briskly together in one or two jerks. Compare Heavy, which is the same in pose, but in which the hands drop briskly. See Hurry, which is similar but much faster and raised each time in one movement.

Fr. léger; Ger. leicht.

Lightning or Thunderbolt. With right G index held high, make a quick zigzag downward.

Fr. l’éclair; Ger. der Blitz.

Like (To be partial to). Sign Want.

Like or Alike. See Equal.

Listen, I will not. Cover both ears with the hands and shake head. (Pop. and Blackfoot.)

Fr. je n’écouterai pas; Ger. ich will nicht zuhören.

Listen. Hold right L hand back to right near and around right ear; rotate the hand by wrist action (Cheyenne). Or hold hollowed right hand behind the right ear. (Popular sign understood by Cheyennes.) Compare Hear.

Fr. écouter; Ger. horchen.

Little of, Small, Piece of, Part. Hold right hand in front of body, shoulder high, back to right, end of thumb pressing against under side of index so that only about half an inch of index is seen beyond the thumb, other fingers closed. For emphasis, point at right with left G.

Little or Small of Stature. For small animal, person, etc., indicate the stature by holding out flat right, palm down, above the ground or above the flat left, palm up. See Boy.

Little or Small degree or matter, Weak. Hold the right fist above the left as though both were grasping a thin stick, backs out. Twist the right hand and draw it in a little to the breast, turning it so the palm is a little upward instead of a little downward. Compare Few. Note Strong is its analogue.

Fr. petit, peu; Ger. klein, wenig.

Live. See Alive.

Live in. See Dwell.

Liver. Compress the right hand, bend it much at the wrist, hold it so the back is forward and down, fingers level and pointing back; lay it on the right side under the ribs, draw it to the middle of the body following under side of ribs.

Fr. le foie; Ger. die Leber.

Lock. Against flat left palm turn thumb and index of right as a key.

Fr. fermer à clef, la serrure; Ger. schlieszen, das Schlosz.

Long. Fully extend the left arm forward and downward, hand flat, palm down; lay right G finger on the left wrist; then draw it up to the shoulder. Often use Big.

Fr. long; Ger. lang.

Longing. Sign Heart and Want; or Heart, Want, and See.

Fr. le désir ardent; Ger. das Verlangen.

Long time (Drawn out). Slowly draw the hands very far apart as though pulling out a piece of gum or elastic. See Time.

Fr. longtemps; Ger. lange.

Look. Make V hand and point with fingers in line of sight. Compare Hunting and See.

Fr. regarder; Ger. ansehen, hinsehen.

Look at that. Point with forefinger at object and add See. Compare There.

Fr. regardez cela, voyez; Ger. sehen Sie das an.

Look out. See Warning.

Loose or Set Free. See Liberate.

Lose, Lost, or Astray (Hid, find, and not; apparently referring to the game of hide in the hand). Hold out both fists together, palms up, for Hid; then look about and point with right G hand behind here and there and to one side; add Not. (Sheeaka.)

Lose. The Cheyennes use Hide, which see. Compare Night.

Lost, I am lost. Sign Look, Way, See, Not. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. perdre, perdu; Ger. verlieren, verloren.

Love. See Fond.

Low. Hold flat right hand low, back up.

Fr. bas; Ger. niedrig.

Luck, Happen, Chance, or Accident (What turns up). Extend both G hands in front, palm side up; turn them in toward each other till the backs are up; forefingers still extended. Then add Good or Bad. (D) This suggests the gambling sticks in the Indian game. See Of.

Luck (Whatever befalls me). Sign Medicine, or shake the head and the flat hand in front of the neck, then swing right G in a curve till it strikes the breast. (Sheeaka. A doubtful Sioux sign.)

Fr. la chance, l’accident; Ger. der Zufall.

Lump (Apparently “hill” that can be held in the hand). Hold up the right A hand, waist high, palm to you, thumb pointing up, wrist bent so arm is nearly level. Compare Hill.

Fr. la petite masse; Ger. der Klumpen, die kleine Masse.

Lunch or Luncheon. Sign Noon and Eat.

Fr. le déjeuner; Ger. das Mittagessen.

Lungs. Hold the 5 hands on the breast, one at each side, and indicate slow heaving. Compare Sick.

Fr. les poumons; Ger. die Lungen.

Lynx. With the C hand at each side of the face indicate ruffs; with rings of index fingers and thumbs, show the eyes; then on the G right with the G left show the bob tail. (Sheeaka.) This is a description rather than a name.

Fr. le lynx; Ger. der Luchs.

Lynx, Bay, or Bob-cat. Sign Cat and Short tail. (Scott.) The Cheyennes, who do not know the true Lynx, sign Animal and Short tail.

Fr. le lynx rouge; Ger. der Rotluchs, die amerikanische Wildkatze.

M

Mad. See Angry and Crazy.

Make or Manufacture. Hammer the top of one fist with the other two or three times, giving both hands a twisting motion. (Sheeaka. Adopted from the Deaf.) Compare Work, which is mostly used by Indians for Make.

Fr. fabriquer; Ger. anfertigen.

Make up one’s mind. See Decide.

Man or Male (The one alone; the erect one). Right G held up at height of chin, palm forward; many Cheyennes make it back forward. For Boy sign Man then drop the hand down to a level that indicates height, and turn it palm to you.

Fr. l’homme; Ger. der Mann.

Mandan. See Indian Tribes.

Manitoba (Red River Country). Give signs for Country, River, Red (suggested).

Manner. See Way.

Man who. See Doer.

Many (Many tens). Hold up both hands, face high, half closed, palms forward; throw them forward in 5 shape. Repeat several times. See also Heap and Much.

Fr. plusieurs; Ger. viele.

Many times, Often, or All the time. Hold out left arm level, hand flat palm in; tap it a few times with right G hand from near wrist, moving each time an inch or so toward elbow. Compare Cheyenne.

Fr. souvent; Ger. oft.

Married or Marry (Side by side, united as one). Sign Trade, that is, Bargain; then lay right G beside left G touching, both pointing forward level, not moved. (C) The Cheyennes omit Trade. Compare Equal, Parallel, and Mates.

Fr. marié, épouser; Ger. verheiratet, heiraten.

Marten or Sable. Sign Weasel; that is, curve right G and push it forward, back up, in bounds; indicate size, yellow throat; then, running up a tree. This is a suggested description, as I found no established sign.

Fr. la marte, la zibeline; Ger. der Marder, der Zobel.

Match. Strike an imaginary match on right thigh, or left arm.

Fr. l’allumette; Ger. das Streichholz.

Mate or Partner (One teepee and side by side). The G fingers in tent form, then up side by side, touching. (Sheeaka.)

Mate or Chum. Sign Friend, Same.

Fr. le camarade, le compagnon; Ger. der Kamerad.

May or Maybe. See Perhaps.

Me. Touch one’s own chest with the tips of the compressed fingers of the right hand. (Sheeaka.) Compare I.

Fr. moi; Ger. mich.

Meals. For Breakfast, sign Eat and Sunrise; for Lunch, sign Eat and Noon; for Dinner, sign Eat and Sundown.

Fr. les repas; Ger. die Mahlzeiten.

Mean or Intend. Sign Want and Say.

Fr. avoir en vue, vouloir dire; Ger. beabsichtigen, meinen.

Mean or Stingy. Sign Heart and Few.

Fr. avare; Ger. geizig.

Meanwhile. See While.

Meat (1). Hold out the flat left, back up; then with the flat right, palm up, slice pieces off the left palm. This is generally used, but often with left palm up.

Meat or Flesh (2). With right index finger and thumb, grasp the flesh between left index finger and thumb. (Sioux and Blackfoot.) Note, if this be done by putting the right at the under side of the left, it is the same as the next sign.

Meat (3). Lay the flat left hand, little finger down, between the thumb and fingers of the flat right, as far in as possible; then pat the back of the left by opening and closing the right a little and add Buffalo. In conversation, Buffalo without the first sign is often used for Meat, just as we use Beef. The first part of this is much like Thick and Thin, but the whole of the left fingers are involved and the right hand is not slid along.

The right in this, it will be noted, shows the pose of the hand when holding a thick piece of meat to be cut up for drying.

Clark says there is no sign for Meat; yet, obviously, his sign for Bacon is compounded of Meat, Thin, and Greasy; and the sign he gives for Cutting up, means Cutting up meat.

Meat (4). With right index and thumb, pinch the flesh at the palmar base of the left thumb. (Father Isadore says this is fixed and universal among the Comanches.)

Fr. la viande; Ger. das Fleisch.

Medal. Make a circle of right thumb and index (other fingers closed); lay it little finger in, on the centre of the breast. (C) Compare Policeman.

Fr. la médaille; Ger. die Medaille.

Medicine, Mystery, Holy, Sacred, or Wonderful (In the sense of Sacred Mystery). Hold V right hand close to forehead, palm forward, pointing up, separated; move the hand upward, twisting it so that the tips of the extended fingers will describe a spiral curve. This is hardly translatable.

Fr. le mystère sacré; Ger. das heilige Geheimnis.

Medicine (A curative drug or potion). Hold out left C back to left and pour into it from a bottle in right C hand. If a powder, pour on flat left palm. If a pill, pour on palm and afterward pick up with index and thumb. (Pop.) Sign Medicine and Eat. (Cheyenne, recent.)

Fr. la médecine, le remède; Ger. die Arznei.

Medicine-Man or Shaman. Make signs for Man and Medicine.

Fr. le magicien, le médecin; Ger. der Medizinmann, der Schamane.

Meet. Hold forefingers of both G hands a foot apart, pointing up, left farthest off; move together till touching at the tips. Compare Trade, Mistake, and Avoid.

Fr. rencontrer; Ger. treffen, begegnen.

Melancholy. Incline the head slightly forward and rest forehead on left hand, left forearm close to body. Understood by Cheyennes, but they prefer Heart on the Ground.

Fr. triste; Ger. schwermütig.

Melt, Fade, Die out, Dissolve. Hold up both “5” hands six inches apart, fingers pointing up, palms toward

Melt. Sign Wipe out, but slide the right palm over the left toward the tips in small jerks, then over and beyond.

Fr. fondre; Ger. schmelzen, vergehen.

Memories. Head hung forward; right A hand dropped a foot under chin; then sign Time, Back. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. les souvenirs; Ger. die Erinnerungen.

Memory or Remembering. Sign Heart and Know.

Fr. la mémoire, se rappeler; Ger. das Gedächtnis, sich erinnern.

Mend. Lay the right G along to overlap the left G, then hammer on the left with right fist. (Sheeaka.) Note, this is mending iron or wood; to mend clothes, lay one index on other as above, then with right sew over edge of left. (Blackfoot.) The Cheyennes usually sign Make and Good. Compare Fix.

Fr. raccommoder; Ger. ausbessern, reparieren.

Mercy. In the Roman Arena, the appeal for mercy was made by stretching the hand with first and second fingers raised and touching; others closed. (Pop.)

Fr. la clémence, la miséricorde; Ger. das Erbarmen, die Gnade.

Mercy on Another. See Pity.

Mercy on Me. See Pity.

Merry. See Glad.

Message, i.e., Spoken. See Speech.

Metal. Sign Hard and describe or point to a piece of the metal in question. Or sign Strong, Hard.

Fr. le métal; Ger. das Metall.

Meteor. Sign Star and with hand up high sign Fire and let it drop in a wavy line across the sky.

Fr. le météore; Ger. das Meteor, die Feuerkugel.

Midday or Noon. Sun and Straight up.

Fr. le midi; Ger. der Mittag.

Middle (The point dividing in half). Hold out the left G hand, finger level. Drop the right G hand down onto it at the middle joint. Compare Half and Centre.

Middle. Strike down with lower edge of flat right between the fingers of left V held pointing up.

Fr. le milieu; Ger. die Mitte.

Middle one. Hold up three fingers of left, tap the two outer with right G, then bend the middle one down.

Fr. celui au milieu; Ger. der Mittlere.

Midnight. Sign Night and Middle.

Fr. le minuit; Ger. die Mitternacht.

Mile (Stake, measure, and stake). Hold out closed left at arm’s length in front of shoulder, back up, index and thumb joined at top; drop it six inches, point down; then place index and thumb of similar right against it and swing right out level to right for two or three feet and drop it as before.

Fr. le mille; Ger. die Meile.

Milk. With both S hands make motion of milking.

Fr. le lait; Ger. die Milch.

Milky Way (Spirit’s Trail). Die and Way, and sweep the right hand high across the sky to show where.

Fr. la voie lactée; Ger. die Milchstrasze.

Mingle. See Mix.

Mink. Sign Water, Creek, and Animal. (Blackfoot.) Sometimes indicate size.

Fr. le foutereau, le mink; Ger. der Mink, der Nerz.

Minute (Division of time). See Time. Hold left O hand horizontal for Watch; tap around it with right G finger for hours; then for minute add One, Small, and Time. Second would be the same with added signs Few or Very. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. la minute; Ger. die Minute.

Minute (Very small). Sign Small.

Fr. trés petit; Ger. winzig.

Mirage. Hold right 5 hand high, opposite left shoulder, back out, pointing to left; move it horizontally to right with a tremulous motion. (C)

Fr. le mirage; Ger. die Luftspiegelung.

Mirror. Flat right, points up, opposite face, shaken a little forward and back as though adjusting the distance. Sometimes sign Look first.

Fr. le miroir; Ger. der Spiegel.

Mislead. Sign Way, then thrust right G to right and to left, but not straight. Or sign Tell, Straight, Not.

Fr. égarer; Ger. verleiten.

Miss. See Avoid.

Mist. See Fog.

Mistake (Mark missed). Hold up left G hand, then pass it by with right G hand.

Fr. l’erreur; Ger. der Irrtum.

Mix or Mingle. Hold up the 5 hands, face high, points up, palm to palm touching; rotate one against the other. If in cookery, imitate the movement of stirring. Compare Play.

Fr. mélanger; Ger. mischen.

Moccasin. Pass the open hands over feet from toe to ankle. Usually but one hand is used, and it need not touch the foot.

Fr. le mocassin; Ger. der Mokassin.

Mockery or Insolent defiance. Spread the right hand with fingers straight, point of thumb to point of nose, little finger toward the enemy. (Pop.) Not Indian originally, but all understand it now.

Fr. la moquerie, la dérision; Ger. die Verspottung.

Modesty. Cover the eyes with one flat hand, its fingers well apart. (Pop.) See Ashamed and Fog.

Fr. la modestie; Ger. die Sittsamkeit, die Bescheidenheit.

Money (Coin). With right thumb and index, others closed, make a horizontal circle. Compare Sun, Fruit, and Leaf.

Fr. l’argent; Ger. das Geld.

Money (Paper). Sign Writing and Money.

Money (Bills). Draw the flat left hand edgewise between the thumb and fingers of the right; then on left palm indicate shape. (C)

Fr. billets de banque; Ger. die Banknoten.

Monkey (Man’s face, dog’s run). Sign Face, Man, Dog, Goes.

Fr. le singe; Ger. der Affe.

Month (One Moon). Sign for One and Moon and Die.

Fr. le mois; Ger. der Monat.

Each tribe had, of course, its own names for the months. I have selected the ones most likely to be widely popular, without regard to their origin.

January (Snow Moon). Sign Moon and Snow.

Fr. le janvier; Ger. der Januar.

February (Hunger Moon). Sign Moon and Hunger.

Fr. le février; Ger. der Februar.

March (Crow Moon). Sign Moon and Crow.

Fr. le mars; Ger. der März.

April (Grass Moon). Sign Moon and Short grass.

Fr. l’avril; Ger. der April.

May (Planting Moon). Sign Moon and Planting.

Fr. le mai; Ger. der Mai.

June (Rose Moon). Sign Moon and Rose.

Fr. le juin; Ger. der Juni.

July (Thunder Moon). Sign Moon and Lightning.

Fr. le juillet; Ger. der Juli.

August (Red Moon). Sign for Moon and Red.

Fr. l’août; Ger. der August.

September (Hunting Moon). Sign Moon and then draw a bow as in hunting.

Fr. le septembre; Ger. der September.

October (Leaf-falling Moon). Sign Moon and Leaf-falling.

Fr. l’octobre; Ger. der Oktober.

November (Mad Moon). Sign Moon and Mad.

Fr. le novembre; Ger. der November.

December (Long Night). Sign Moon, Night, and Long.

Fr. le décembre; Ger. der Dezember.

Moon (Horns in the sky, or crescent). Close right hand except thumb and first finger, which forms a half-circle or crescent, held above the right ear, back of hand forward. Sometimes expressed as Night and Sun.

Fr. la lune; Ger. der Mond.

Moose (Elk with flat horns). Hold up flat hands for horns; but swing both backward and forward to indicate width; then, with both “L” hands, indicate the hanging muzzle. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. l’orignal; Ger. das Elentier, der Elch.

More. Hold out the flat left hand, palm up; then with right make as though throwing sand on it more and more, three times. (Sheeaka.) Compare Most. See Repeat, Add to, and Ahead.

Fr. plus; Ger. mehr.

Morning or Day (Opening up). Both hands palms down, flat, near together. Sweep them up, out, and apart; turning the palms up. The same as Day.

Morning or Dawn. Hold out both arms level, full length, side by side, hands flat, backs forward, tips touching; raise them slowly to half height.

Fr. le matin; Ger. der Morgen.

Mosquito. With right index and thumb make as though pricking right cheek with a thorn; then slap the place with right palm.

Fr. le moustique; Ger. der Moskito, die Stechmücke.

Most. Sign More, then raise the right flat hand high above it. (Sheeaka.) Or sign Ahead, All.

Fr. le plus; Ger. meist, am Meisten.

Mother (Nurse or parent, female). With the finger tips of the right hand, make as though drawing milk from the left breast; add the sign for Female if necessary. (Scott.) Note the left breast for Mother, nearer the heart; the right breast is for Father.

Fr. la mère; Ger. die Mutter.

Mother-in-law. Sign Brother-in-law, Old, Woman.

Fr. la belle-mère; Ger. die Schwiegermutter.

Motor car. Make signs for Wheels, Horse, Not. Or sign Fire twice then make as though holding and turning steering wheel.

Fr. l’automobile; Ger. das Automobil.

Mound or Low Hill. Flat hands together, backs up; separated and swept down to show shape. Compare Heap, which is just the reverse; also see Box.

Fr. la petite éminence; Ger. der Erdhügel.

Mount (A horse). Hold right V to right side pointing up; swing it up to right, over and down, points down, onto flat left, which is held thumb up. Or, omit left. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. monter; Ger. steigen.

Mountain. Hold up A hand as in Hill, but higher, and add Hard. Use both hands alternately up and down in various places for plural. Compare Hill and Lump.

Fr. la montagne; Ger. der Berg.

Mountain Lion, Cat. Sign Cat, Long tail, and Jump. (C) Or with both L hands indicate large round tracks; then, with right G, pointed down, raised and down, each time, indicate the zigzag trail. (Paiute sign, given me by C. B. Ruggles.)

Fr. le couguar;der Kuguar.

Mountain Pass. See Gap.

Mourn. With the flat hands used like knives, backs up, little fingers as though sharp edges, make as though to cut off the hair at each side of the head, and add Cry.

Fr. s’affliger; Ger. trauern.

Mouse (Night nibbler). Sign Animal, with very small jumps, indicate size and Night; then, with right forefinger and thumb, nibble at left G forefinger.

Fr. la souris; Ger. die Maus.

Move, To move camp (Teepee poles, travois). Both G hands in front, backs out; lay right forefinger on left at middle joint, crossing at an angle of 45 degrees, and push both hands forward in slight jerks, each jerk a day’s journey.

Fr. changer de place, déménager; Ger. fortziehen, wegrücken.

Mowing machine. Sign Grass and Knife; the last at right lower than waist. Add Wagon if needed to indicate horse mower.

Fr. la machine à faucher; Ger. die Mähmaschine.

Much or Many. Hold curved 5 hands, palm to palm, a foot apart; swing down together and up face high, closing them; swing a little apart at the finish.

Much (Heap.) Hold the flat hands so the palms are toward each other, the left lower, and draw them apart, the left downward, the right upward. The extent to which they are drawn apart indicates the quantity. Compare Big, Great, Heap, Increase, and Decrease.

Fr. beaucoup; Ger. viel.

Much, Too. See Excessive.

Mud. See Soft.

Mule. Hold extended hands alongside of ears, palms to front, fingers pointing upward; by wrist action, flop the hands to front and rear, representing motion of mule’s ears.

Fr. le mulet; Ger. das Maultier.

Murder. Sign Kill and Free. Meaning an unjustified killing.

Fr. le meurtre; Ger. der Mord.

Must. See Have to; also Begin or Push. See Imperative.

Muskrat or Musquash. Sign Beaver and Small.

Muskrat (Tail, swimming and lump). Hold out right G, back up, nearly level, pointing forward and to left; shake it, draw it to right; then hold up compressed right hand, back up, pointing forward, and grasp right wrist on lower side with left hand. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. le rat musqué du Canada, l’ondatra; Ger. die Bisamratte.

My, Mine, or My own. Sign Possession; that is, hold out the A hand, thumb straight up; then swing it in till it touches the breast; or sometimes lay the spread flat hand on the breast. (Sheeaka.) See I.

My, Mine, or My own. Touch breast with point of compressed right, then sign Possession.

Fr. mon; Ger. mein.

Mystery. See Medicine.

N

Name (Of a man). Sign Called. “What is your name?” would be Question, You, Called.

Name (Of animal). With right forefinger and thumb, others closed, make an incomplete circle and lay it palm down against the palm of the flat left hand, held forward, back to left. Compare Brand and Called. Scott gives it as illustrated.

Fr. nommer, le nom; Ger. (be) nennen, der Name.

Name, To sign one’s (Thumb print). Press the thumb tip of the A hand against the palm of the flat left. Compare Letter.

Fr. signer son nom; Ger. seinen Namen unterschreiben.

Named. See Called.

Narrow. Hold flat hands out, palm to palm, about six inches apart, fingers level and pointing forward; move them toward each other until but one inch apart. Compare Fast, Between, Few, and Road.

Fr. étroit; Ger. eng.

Nation (People all). Hold up both 5 hands, swing them toward each other and away in a great circle. (Sheeaka.) Not well established.

Fr. la nation, le peuple; Ger. die Nation, das Volk.

NATIONALITIES:

American. Sign Thirteen, Fires. This was once used on the Ohio, referring to the Council Fires of the thirteen original colonies. Then add Country by

According to Clark, sometimes called Long Knives. Draw a long line east and west; then with flat hand, point up, indicate all south of it. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. l’Américain; Ger. der Amerikaner.

British (Red coat). Touch the coat; then with fingers brush the cheeks for red.

Fr. les Anglais, les sujets anglais; Ger. die Briten, das britische Volk.

Canadian (Shaking off the snow). Shake the coat lapel with right hand. (D) The Blackfeet draw a long line east and west then with flat hand point to indicate all north of that line.

Fr. le Canadien; Ger. der Kanadier.

Chinaman. Indicate long tail by signing Rope at back of head.

Fr. le Chinois; Ger. der Chinese.

Dutchman (Long pipe). Place thumb of Y hand at the mouth, draw it down and outward to indicate the long pipe. (D)

Fr. le Hollandais; Ger. der Holländer.

Englishman. Sign White Man, Far. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. l’Anglais; Ger. der Engländer.

Frenchman. Hold out the F hand well toward the left, palm up; draw it across in front of self from left to right, turning it palm down. (D) To sign Hairy Man would translate the nickname “Poilu.”

Fr. le Français; Ger. der Franzose.

German (The double eagle). Cross the wrists of both 5 hands, thumb palm against thumb palm, and work the fingers. (D)

Fr. l’Allemand; Ger. der Deutsche.

Great Britain (Red-coat land). Land, Coat, and Red.

Fr. la Grande-Bretagne; Ger. das Groszbritannien.

Holland. Same as Dutchman.

Indian. See Indian on p. 106.

Irishman. Hold out left S hand, back up; swing right V around it and end with V resting on back of left. (D) Green Island Man would be more acceptable.

Fr. l’Irlandais; Ger. der Irländer.

Japanese. Sign Country and Rising Sun. Or sign Man, Short, Eyes, Oblique. The last by pushing up the outer corners of the eyes with G fingers. (These are suggested.)

Fr. le Japonais; Ger. der Japaner.

Jew (Long beard). Placing the fingers of the bent 5 hand on the chin, draw them down and off, letting the hand assume the flat position as it leaves the chin. (D)

(As a slang term.) Spread both hands open from opposite each shoulder, palms forward, and rotate them slightly on the wrist back and forth. (Pop.)

Fr. le Juif; Ger. der Jude.

Italian. With the little finger of I hand trace a cross in the centre of the forehead. (D)

Fr. l’Italien; Ger. der Italiener.

Mexican (Bearded White Man). Sign for White Man and Beard. In this case, Beard is made by rotating and jerking the 5 hand before the chin, points up.

Fr. le Mexicain; Ger. der Mexikaner.

Negro. Sign White Man, Black face. (C) Sheeaka also fumbled the open right over the knuckles of the half closed left, to indicate kinky hair.

Fr. le nègre; Ger. der Neger.

Ontario (Land of Lakes). Make signs for Country and Lakes. (Suggested.)

Fr. l’Ontario; Ger. das Ontario.

Russian. Arms akimbo, i.e., C hand on each side of the waist. (D) The Cheyennes call them Ride Easy from the Cossack circus performers; but it is not an established sign. Bear Man is suggested.

Fr. le Russe; Ger. der Russe.

Scotchman (Plaid clothes). Cross the fingers of the right 5 hand with those of the left 5 hand on the chest, then let each drop to continue the lines. (D)

Fr. l’Écossais; Ger. der Schotte.

Spaniard. Sign Old, Mexican.

Fr. l’Espagnol; Ger. der Spanier.

White Man (Hat man). With G right hand draw first finger across the brow. (C) For illustration see White Man among W’s.

Fr. l’homme blanc; Ger. der Weisze.

Other countries are indicated in the Deaf Code by making the initial letter in the single-handed alphabet and swinging them in a circle in front of the forehead; but this mode contravenes the fundamental principle of Signs. (See Introduction.)

Therefore, it is better to wait till a true sign is discovered.

Near or Nearly. Same as Close, which see.

Near by. See By.

Nearest. See Next.

Need or Need to. See Must.

Needle. Make the sign for Sew. (C)

Fr. l’aiguille; Ger. die Nadel.

Neighbor. Sign Close and Dwell, or Sit, Close.

Fr. le voisin; Ger. der Nachbar.

Nephew. Sign Brother’s (or Sister’s) Son. (C)

Fr. le neveu; Ger. der Neffe.

Never (Ever and Not). Right elbow fixed at side and with right G hand out straight, describe a complete upright circle, left to right; then throw the hand down to right in Not. (Sheeaka; probably borrowed from Deaf.)

Fr. jamais; Ger. niemals.

Never mind. See Rub it out.

New. Sign Little time, Traded. Or, Little while, Made, Good.

Fr. neuf; Ger. neu.

News. With right G struck down to right and left (for this and that) and Hear.

Fr. les nouvelles; Ger. die Nachrichten.

Newspaper. Sign Writing and Tell (i.e., Talk) to right and left.

Fr. le journal; Ger. die Zeitung.

Next. See Neighbor.

Next or Second. Hold out the flat 4 left hand, palm down; with right G draw the left index toward the right; then tap the middle finger of left with right index. Or sign Close.

Fr. prochain; Ger. nächst.

Night (Earth covered up). Bring the flat hands, backs up, well apart, out in front of body, breast high; move them together in outline of a dome, finally resting right wrist on left. Compare Hide.

Fr. la nuit; Ger. die Nacht.

No. Hold flat right hand, back up, in front of body, fingers pointing level and nearly forward. Swing the hand in a graceful curve to right and front, at the same time turning it thumb up, finishing with the back of hand to right and downward; the hand is swept into its Bad and Different.

For short range, shake the head; this is simple and universal. It is so natural that babies and animals do it when offered bitter medicine, for example. (Popular and Indian generally.)

Fr. non; Ger. nein.

No, I won’t listen; or Go away, the matter is ended. Right G hand upraised to level of face, palm out, index upright; wave the finger hand from side to side by wrist action. Chiefly used by Cheyennes when joking. It is general in Latin countries. Compare White-tailed Deer.

Fr. non, allez! Ger. Punktum! Schlusz!

None, Nothing, I have no money. Turn the flat palms forward, one near each trouser pocket. (Pop.)

Fr. il n’y a rien; Ger. nichts.

Noon. See Midday.

Notify. See Tell.

Now (Emphatic “right now”). Hold up right G, back to right and pointing upward about eight inches in front of the face; and, without stopping, carry it a little to front; then stop and give a slight rebound. Sometimes look up to make it clear that it relates to time of day, that is, the sun’s course. Often it means this as in this day; this moment; this night.

Fr. maintenant; Ger. jetzt.

Numbers and Counting. Up to ten as shown on the fingers at the foot of previous page and this.

For 20—Sign 10, close the hands, then repeat it.

For 25—Sign 20, then drop left, close right, and sign 5.

For 30—Sign 10 three times; or else as below.

For 20, etc., sign 10, then hold out left 5 hand pointing forward and draw right G along each finger from base to tip; each finger so pointed stands for 10.

If over 50, do same with right hand and left index till enough tens are shown.

For 100—Both 5 hands held up, palm forward, thumb tips touching, low, opposite right shoulder; swing in a vertical arch to low opposite left shoulder. This mode of multiplying by ten may be applied to other numbers.

For 1,000—Sign 100 and on flat hands spread and pointing forward, palm down, with index of other hand show number of hundreds as above.

Numbers or Counting. Or, with the thumb of the same hand, touch each of the finger tips in succession. (Popular and sometimes used by Cheyennes.)

Fr. les nombres, les numéros, compter; Ger. die Zahlen, zählen.

Numbers ordinal. Point at or indicate the person or thing; then turn down the first finger for 1st and the second finger for 2d and so on. Also see First, Next, and Last.

Numeral Sign, Arithmetic, or Counting. Hold the left 5 hand, palm up, fingers a little bent; with right G turn one or two left fingers down on left palm.

The Deaf mode is the figure-sign, then, without changing position of arm or hand, give the hand a twisting jerk from the wrist, which swings it in a small circle.

Fr. les nombres ordinaux; Ger. die Ordinalzahlen.

Nun. Sign Woman, Black, Hat.

Fr. la religieuse; Ger. die Nonne.

O

Oath or Swear. Tap the chest with the tips of the flat right hand, then hold it at head height, palm forward. (Sheeaka.) Sometimes point to Heaven and Earth, then hold up flat right hand. (C) Neither is Cheyenne, but both are understood by them. See Promise. With right G make a small cross over the heart. (Pop.)

Fr. le serment, jurer; Ger. der Eid, schwören.

Obey. Make sign for Listen. For emphasis add Yes. Disobey is putting the flat hands over the ears.

Fr. obéir; Ger. gehorchen.

Obliged to. See Have to. (C)

Ocean. Sign Water and Very broad. Some add Salt.

Fr. l’océan; Ger. der Ozean.

Of (That from that). Hold right G hand out straight from right side, palm up; rotate the hand so the index tip describes a small half-circle inward and finally the palm is down. (D) Compare Luck.

Fr. de; Ger. von.

Offer or Propose. Hold the flat hands, palms up, near you, then move forward as though offering something. (Blackfoot.) The Cheyennes sign Want and Give.

Fr. offrir, proposer; Ger. anbieten, vorschlagen.

Office. Sign Writing House.

Officer. Sign Chief; or, if military, sign Chief, Soldier. Or indicate with the right index on the left shoulder or arm the insignia of the particular rank.

Fr. l’officier; Ger. der Beamte, der Offizier.

Offspring. See Child.

Often. See Many times.

Oil (Blowing oil off surface in pot). With both L hands form a big level circle; then tilt it low on forward side and blow across it. (Blackfoot, but understood by Cheyennes.)

Fr. l’huile; Ger. das Öl.

Oil or Grease. Hold out the flat left, thumb up; with right thumb on palm and right index on back (others closed); rub back and forth with short, quick jerks. Compare Thick, Thin, Bacon.

Fr. la graisse; Ger. das Fett.

Old (Walking with a stick). Hold right A hand, back to right, about twelve inches in front of right shoulder, about height of breast; move the hand a little upward, to front, downward and back into its first position on small curve, repeating motion. Compare Lame.

Fr. vieux; Ger. alt.

Old Man. Hold up the right index finger as in Man, then drop, crook, and swing it in Old. See Decrepit.

Fr. le vieillard; Ger. der Greis.

Old, How old are you? Sign Question, Snows, You; or Question, Counting, Colds, You.

Fr. quel âge avez-vous? Ger. wie alt sind Sie?

On or Upon. Lay the flat right hand, palm down, on back of the flat horizontal left, palm down. Compare At.

Fr. sur; Ger. auf.

Once. Dip the finger ends of the right compressed hand down against the palm of the flat left hand, bringing it away quickly. For Twice, do it twice, etc. (Sheeaka.) Compare This and Repeat.

Once (One go). Sign One with right G index and push it forward low down. (So, also, Twice is Two pushed forward, etc.)

Fr. une fois; Ger. einmal.

One who, or The man that does. See Doer.

Onion. Sign Potato and Bad, Smell.

Fr. l’oignon; Ger. die Zwiebel.

Only. See Alone.

Open. The flat hands together, palm to palm, opened out flat as a book. The same as Book with Writing omitted. Compare Day, Book, Shell, and Shut.

Fr. ouvrir, ouvert; Ger. öffnen, offen.

Opossum. Hold out the flat right, fingers doubled on palm, thumb straight up; move it forward level. The thumb represents the tail. This is an Australian sign given by E. C. Stirling. It is offered as a suggestion and as a reminder that the Sign Language is world-wide. The Cheyennes sign Tree, Climb, Hang by tail.

Fr. l’opossum, le (la) sarigue; Ger. das Opossum.

Opposite or Against. Hold the G fingers up opposite each other, pointing at each other. Compare Against.

Fr. opposé, en face; Ger. gegenüber.

Or. See Either. Sometimes use Different.

Orderly or Put in order. See Ready.

Ordinal Numbers. See Numbers Ordinal.

Other. See Another.

Other side. See Beyond.

Otter (Wrapping the hair plait). With right thumb, index and middle fingers together, others closed, describe a small spiral from near the right ear down. Because the otter skin was the kind used in strips to wrap the plaits of the Indians’ hair.

Fr. la loutre; Ger. der (die) Otter.

Our. Sign All, My.

Fr. notre; Ger. unser.

Out of. See Absent.

Outside or Out of. Make a semicircle of the left arm out level; drop the compressed right hand without and beyond the semicircle. Compare In, which it resembles, except in the last movement.

Fr. dehors, hors de; Ger. drauszen.

Over or Above. See Above.

Overcome. See Kill.

Overtake. Hold out flat left hand at arm’s length, palm forward, fingers pointing up; hold the right G hand near the breast, palm out, pointing up; move it forward till it strikes the left hand. Use the left G if only one is pursued. Compare Arrive there.

Fr. atteindre; Ger. einholen.

Owe or Debt (Recorded and given). Write on the left palm and swing it from you to me or otherwise, according to the case. (Sheeaka.)

Owe. Sign Trade, Time, Money, Give.

Fr. devoir; Ger. schuldig sein.

Owl. Sign Bird and Big-eyes; the latter by putting around each eye a half-circle of thumb and index. (For Horned Owl indicate the horns with G hands.) For Burrowing Owl, sign Owl, Hole, and Dancing.

Fr. la chouette, le hibou; Ger. die Eule.

Own. See Possession.

P

Pack. Hold out left flat hand, back to left (this is the horse); bring right flat hand and place palm against

Fr. emballer; Ger. packen.

Pain. See Ache.

Paint. Use all the fingers of right hand as a brush painting the left palm. Recent Cheyenne.

Fr. peindre; Ger. anstreichen, malen.

Paint the cheeks. Sign Red, then rub the cheeks and front of the face with palm of flat right hand moved in small circles.

Fr. se farder; Ger. schminken.

Palsy. Both flat hands, backs up, near breast, shaking.

Fr. la paralysie agitante; Ger. die Schüttellähmung.

Panther. See Mountain Lion.

Paper (Square to write on). With G fingers outline a square, then make as though to write on it with right G.

Fr. le papier; Ger. das Papier.

Parallel, or Side by Side. The index fingers of G hands laid side by side, not touching and not moving. Some make right index point to left and left to right in this. Compare Equal, Race, and Marry.

Fr. parallèle; Ger. parallel, gleichlaufend.

Pardon, Liberate, or Turn Loose (Removing a halter). Hold both L hands, palms up, near the neck, one on each side; sweep them up, over, forward and down, as though removing a halter; at the finish the index fingers are pointing forward and down. Sometimes add Go. See Excuse and Free.

Fr. pardonner; Ger. begnadigen.

Part. If one-half, indicate it as in the sign for that word; if less, hold the right hand nearer end of index, according to portion desired to be represented. See Half and Some.

Fr. la partie; Ger. der Teil.

Partner. See Mate.

Parturition. See Born.

Pass by. See Avoid.

Past (Time back). Make the sign for Time and jerk the thumb backward over the right shoulder, all fingers closed. (Sheeaka.) Or throw the flat hand back over shoulder. In general, sign Time, Back. See Ago and Back.

Fr. le passé; Ger. die Vergangenheit.

Pasture. See Corral.

Patrol. See Band.

Pawnee. See Indian Tribes.

Pawnshop (House of three balls). House and hold left hand up with thumb, first and second fingers pointing straight down; then make a hoop of right thumb and index and apply it in succession to the three hanging tips. (Pop. and acceptable to Indians.)

Fr. le Mont-de-Piété; Ger. das Leihhaus, das Pfandhaus.

Pax. See Fins.

Pay (i.e., “Will you give me?” or “Will you pay?”). Hold the right hand forward at level of waist, palm up, fingers half closed, rubbing the tip of first finger and tip of thumb together. (Popular and understood by Sheeaka.) The Cheyennes sign Money, Give me.

Fr. payer; Ger. bezahlen.

Peace. Clasp the hands in front of body.

Fr. la paix; Ger. der Friede.

Peak. Sign Mountain, Part; then hold up high all fingers of right hand in a point, back under.

Fr. le pic; Ger. die Spitze.

Peas. Sign Plant, then with right index and thumb as in Little of tap five or six times in a row along the side of the left G.

Fr. les pois; Ger. die Erbsen.

Pekan. See Fisher.

Penny. Sign Red, Money.

People. Hold up the 5 hands, points up, and add All. Compare Nation and Dance.

People. Hold up both G hands at various heights, as in Man sign. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. le peuple; Ger. die Leute, das Volk.

Pepper (Black sprinkler). Sign Black, then use right O hand as tho it held a sprinkler. A Blackfoot sign understood by Cheyennes.

Fr. le poivre; Ger. der Pfeffer.

Perhaps. See If.

Permit. See Free.

Perplexed. See If and Consider.

Petrol. See Spirit.

Period or Full stop. Use Done both No. 1 and No. 2.

Fr. le point; Ger. der Punkt.

Persevere, Persist, or Stick to it. Hold both fists near breast and firmly push them forward once or twice. That is, sign Push repeatedly.

Fr. persister; Ger. beharren.

Person or Individual. Sign Man.

Fr. la personne; Ger. die Person.

Photograph. Hold out the nearly flat left hand at arm’s length, face high, palm to you, fingers level, pointing to right; from near it, draw back right fist, palm to left and up, thumb out straight, as though drawing something to the eye; then near the face change the right hand to flat, slightly curved, back forward, fingers

Fr. la photographie; Ger. die Photographie.

Picture. Indicate the subject, then hold up both L hands to outline bottom and two sides of a square. With imaginary pencil in right draw on this; left remaining as it was. See Portrait and Photograph.

Fr. le tableau; Ger. das Bild.

Pie. Sign Bread, Round (i.e., with right G, indicate a horizontal circle of proper size), and Sweet. Then sidewise slide the flat right exactly over the flat left, both with palms up. A description, rather than a sign.

Fr. le pâté, la tarte; Ger. die Pastete.

Piece. See Little of.

Pig. See Hog.

Pipe. Hold out right G breast high, back down, with index curled up, pointing forward; jerk it forward once or twice.

Fr. le pipe; Ger. die Pfeife.

Pistol. See Gun.

Pity or Mercy on another (Cry or shed tears for you). Hold G hands, palms downward, index fingers up, in front of and near heart, few inches apart, equally advance and same height; move the hands outward and slightly downward, or toward person. Compare Cry.

Fr. avoir pitié de quelqu’ un; Ger. jemanden bemitleiden.

Pity or Have mercy on me (Cry for me). Hold G hands well out in front of body, as described above, but with backs out; bring them toward body, slightly raising them.

Fr. plaignez-moi, ayez pitié de moi! Ger. haben Sie Mitleid mit mir!

Place or Put (Verb). Hold out flat left, back up; swing compressed right over onto it, then open the right a little. Sometimes omit flat left, or use instead compressed left hand held points up. Compare Bet.

Fr. mettre; Ger. stellen, legen, setzen.

Place (Noun). With right G pointing down, indicate a large circle on the ground. (A Pai-ute sign given by Mallery p. 500, also a popular sign.)

Fr. la place; Ger. der Ort, die Stelle.

Plant or Planting. With right fingers and thumb, open as though to drop a seed, then closed and moved on to drop another farther, and another, all in the same row. Compare Animal and Jump. See Sow.

Fr. planter; Ger. pflanzen.

Play or Recreation. Hold up both slightly curved 5 hands, points up and forward, palm to palm, about eight inches apart. Swing them from side to side together, rotating them so the palms are once to front, once to back on each swing. Compare Dance and Children.

Fr. le jeu; Ger. das Spiel.

Playing or Fooling. Hold out in front of shoulder the slightly curved 5 hand, palm up; rotate slightly by wrist action. See Joke and Laugh.

Fr. jouer; Ger. das Spielen.

Plenty (Many, piled up). Push forward with both 5 hands, palms first, three times (i.e., sign Many); then raise the hands very high, palms forward and down. (Sheeaka.) Or sign Heap or Full. Compare Many.

Fr. l’abondance; Ger. die Fülle.

Ploughing. Hold both fists forward as though holding plough, elbows high; and push forward. Also used for cultivation in general.

Fr. le labourage, labourer; Ger. das Pflügen.

Poison-ivy (Vine, nibbler). Sign Vine; that is, hold left forearm upright, as in Tree, and with right G finger trace a climbing Vine about it; then with thumb and first two fingers of right hand, scratch on edge of flat left, held out back up.

Fr. le toxicodendron; Ger. der Giftefeu, der Giftsumach.

Polecat. See Skunk.

Policeman or Constable. Place the curved right index and thumb, little finger out, against left coat lapel. Compare Medal, Brand, and Name.

Fr. le sergent de ville; Ger. der Schutzmann.

Police-station. Sign Policeman and House.

Fr. le poste de police; Ger. das Polizeibureau.

Ponder. See Consider.

Poor in property (Scraped bare). With right G finger scrape down the left G finger held up, from tip to base, several times. Compare Indian Apache, and Shame.

Fr. pauvre; Ger. arm.

Poor in flesh. See Thin.

Porcupine (Prickly hair). Sign Hair; then with tips of right 5 hand strike or prick the left palm, held facing the right.

Fr. le porc-épic; Ger. das Stachelschwein.

Portrait. Hold up the flat left hand, back forward, as though it were a Mirror, then sketch on the same with an imaginary pencil, add Face and indicate the person. See Photograph and Picture.

Fr. le portrait; Ger. das Bild(nis).

Positive of adjectives. See Comparative.

Possesses, Possession, Yours, His own, Belonging to, etc. (Held in the hand.) Hold right A hand, back to right, in front of the neck, or even the forehead, and a few inches from it. Swing it forward and down so the thumb is pointing straight forward.

Fr. posséder; Ger. besitzen.

Potato. Curved 5 right hand held as low as possible, back down.

Fr. la pomme de terre; Ger. die Kartoffel.

Pour. Hold out the left O hand, back to left, and pour into it with the right O hand.

Fr. verser; Ger. gieszen.

Powder. Hold out left hand, palm up; just above it, rub thumb and finger tips of right. Or commonly omit left hand. Compare Dust.

Fr. la poudre; Ger. das Pulver, der Puder.

Power. See Can.

Prairie, Smooth land, Flat, or Level (Level wide). Flat hands side by side, palms up; then slowly wide spread on same plane. In conversation, usually but one hand is used. Compare Free and Broad.

Fr. la prairie, la plaine; Ger. die Prärie, die grosze Ebene.

Prairie-chicken. See Grouse.

Prairie-dog. Sign Mound, Hole; then push right G up through hole and add Talk.

Fr. la marmotte de la prairie; Ger. der Präriehund.

Praise. See Applause.

Pray. Lay the flat hands palm to palm, point them to the sky, then draw down toward self; repeat. (Sheeaka.)

Pray. Look up, sign Talk (No. 1.) straight.

Fr. prier; Ger. beten.

Present (Time). Same as Now.

Pretty. See Beautiful.

Pride, Proud, or Vain. Draw the flat hand, palm down, over face to breast; throw back head, look up and add Good. (Blackfoot.) This is their sign for Beautiful with the addition of the head thrown back. Or sign He, Think, He, Big Chief. See Conceit.

Fr. la fierté, fier; Ger. der Stolz, stolz.

Priest. Sign Robe and Black.

Fr. le prêtre; Ger. der Priester.

Print. Push the back of right flat curved hand slowly and firmly against the palm of the left curved ditto, as in Picture, only several times. Compare Quandary, Approach, Photograph etc.

Prison (House of bars). Sign for House, then hold 4 hands up, side by side for prison bars. Add Man and Look through.

Prison. Sign Prisoner and House.

Fr. la prison; Ger. das Gefängnis.

Prisoner (Arrested). Clinch the fists and cross the wrists as though bound, and press down a little.

Fr. le prisonnier; Ger. der Gefangene.

Private. See Secret.

Produce and Product. See Result.

Prominent or Conspicuous (Stands on a hill). Sign Hill up high, then lay right G against it, pointing up, palm to self, back of right against left hand. See Famous.

Fr. éminent; Ger. hervorragend.

Promise (Word bound). Place the forefinger of right G perpendicularly against mouth; bring down fist and, parallel with it, the other fist, thumbs up; strike both down together twice. (Sheeaka.) Also see Word of Honor, or Cross my Heart.

Promise. Sign Talk (i.e., Word), Give.

Promise, Sworn (I swear). Tap the chest with tips of flat right hand, then raise it, palm forward, and add Talk. (Sheeaka.) Compare Oath.

Fr. la promesse, promettre; Ger. das Versprechen, versprechen.

Proof or Prove. See Show.

Propose. See Offer.

Protect. See Defend.

Fr. protéger; Ger. beschützen.

Push. The same as Begin, which see.

Fr. pousser; Ger. schieben.

Put. See Place.

Q

Quality. See Rank.

Quandary, In a fix, Run against, or Up against it. Hold out the curved left hand nearly at arm’s length, back forward; push the ditto right from near the breast right out briskly and hard against the left. Sometimes use Against. Compare Approach, which is similar, but is slow, and right does not touch; also, Print, which pushes and is repeated.

Fr. l’embarras; Ger. die Verlegenheit.

Quarter (But one of four). Hold up the left 4 hand, back out; then with the right G turn the little finger Half, then again half of the tip portion.

Fr. le quart; Ger. das Viertel.

Quarrel (Two persons springing at each other). Hold up both G hands and alternately jerk left at right and right at left.

Fr. la querelle; Ger. der Streit.

Quench. Fire and Wipe out.

Fr. éteindre; Ger. löschen.

Question, Query, Interrogation, I am asking you a question, I want to know, usually equivalent to “Is that you?” (Groping or uncertain.) Hold up the right hand toward the person, palm down and forward, fingers and thumb open, spread, but a little curved; by wrist action, swing the hand in small vertical semicircles. The diagram below the illustration indicates the finger tips seen from in front. The motion shown for the little finger is, of course, shared by all. This is a very important and much-used sign; it appears before all questions.

If the person is quite distant, hold the hand higher, more spread, and wave it several times to right and left.

When very near, merely raise the eyebrows. For long distance, raise both arms like Y with hands flat and waved a little. (Crow.) See Consider.

Fr. l’interrogation; Ger. die Frage.

The following are needed in asking questions:

How? Sign Question and Work and Way.

Fr. comment?; Ger. wie?

How many? or How much? Sign Question; next hold the left hand open, curved, palm up, fingers spread; then with right G digit, quickly tap each finger on left in succession, closing it back toward the left palm, beginning with the little finger.

Fr. combien?; Ger. wie viele?

What? (As in “What are you doing?” “What is it?”) Sign Question; follow with the same sign much exaggerated; that is, with the arm action, swing the right 5 hand, palm under, fingers slightly bent and separated and pointing forward, in an arc of about a foot from right over to left and back once or twice. The Cheyennes in general use this, though they denied it when questioned. But it seems a good logical sign, the large arc being equivalent to “object.”

Fr. quoi? que?; Ger. was?

When? If seeking a definite answer as to length of time, make signs for Question, How many? and then specify time by sign for hours, days, etc. If asking in general When? sign Question and Time.

When? If asking for an exact date or point hold up the left G, make a circle around its tip with right G, which always points at it. On reaching the starting point, the right G stops, touches the tip of left G. (Sioux, given by Sheeaka.) This probably represents the shadow going around the tree. See Time.

Fr. quand?; Ger. wann?

Whence? Strike to left with right G, back up, then over to right a foot away, then back and again; point Come. Usually it needs no Question.

Fr. d’où?; Ger. woher?

Where? or Whither? (What direction?). Sign Question; then with forefinger sweep the horizon in a succession of bounds, a slight pause at the bottom of each, the head following the finger. (Sioux and Arapahoe.) The actual line of the finger is illustrated in the lower plan, the hand being gracefully rotated on the wrist in doing it. Or sign Question and Somewhere.

Where? Sign Question and Look.

Where? (In an abstract sense). Extend the open hands, palm up, from the sides out low to the front, and swing them from side to side with a look of inquiry on the face. (Pop.)

Fr. où?; Ger. wo? wohin?

Which? (When the objects are in sight). Sign Question and point with right G in three or four directions, downward or toward the objects in question.

Which? (When the objects are not in sight). Sign Question; then hold left hand in front of you, with palm toward you, fingers to right and held apart; place the end of the right forefinger on that of the left forefinger and then draw it down across the other fingers.

Fr. quel, lequel?; Ger. welcher?

Whither? Sign Question and Go, in two or three directions.

Fr. où?; Ger. wohin?

Who? Sign Question and Man.

Fr. qui?; Ger. wer?

Why? Sign Question, but do it very slowly. (C)

Why? Sign Question and Want.

Fr. pourquoi?; Ger. warum?

Quick. See Fast and Hurry.

Quiet, be, Be not alarmed, Have patience. The palm of the flat hand held toward the person and gently depressed once or twice. See Easy.

Fr. soyez tranquille; Ger. beruhigen Sie sich.

Quiet, be. See Silence.

Quit. See Give up; also Finish.

R

Rabbit. Move the M hand straight to the front, back up and undulating on the wrist, to imitate the rabbit hopping forward; then make V right hand and turn it to look back. (Scott.) The Cheyennes omit the second part of this.