SIGN TALK OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS

BY ERNEST THOMPSON SETON

“A hand,” “G hand,” “flat hand” etc., mean like “A,” “G,” “flat,” etc., on page li.

A

Abandon, Give It up (Thrown away, chucked). Hold both S hands, backs up, near left breast, briskly swing both down to left side, opening them with a snap and giving a slight rebound to the hands after the movement, as though emphatically throwing away something. Sometimes only one hand is used. Compare Bad, Hate, and Charge. See Divorce.

Fr. abandonner; Ger. aufgeben.

Able. See Can.

Aboard (Sitting down on). Left hand out flat, palm up, right S hand on it, thumb up. Compare Sit down.

Fr. à bord; Ger. an Bord.

About or Around. Hold the flat left hand pointing forward, up and to the right, encircle it several times with the right G finger. If possible, make it concrete by indicating the very thing that was encircled.

Fr. autour; Ger. um ... herum.

About, in the sense of Near by or Almost. See Close.

Above or Over (One thing above another). Bring the flat left hand, back up, in front of and a little to the left of body; left forearm horizontal, fingers pointing to right and front; bring the flat right hand, back up over the left in a semi-circle upward large or small, as best suggests the actual distance. Has been used for More than. Compare Beyond.

Fr. au-dessus; Ger. über.

(Below is the reverse of this.)

Absent. See Empty.

Abuse to Scold or Defame (Throwing lies against one). Hold the right V hand near the mouth, pointing to left. Jerk it forward toward person once or twice. For Abusing me make the sign lower opposite the left breast and inward toward one’s self.

Fr. calomnier, injurier; Ger. schmähen, beschimpfen.

Accident. See Free, also Luck.

Ache or Pain. Thrust G finger many times in different directions over and parallel to the part. Compare Wound and Sick.

Fr. la douleur; Ger. der Schmerz.

Across, Cross, or Over (Crossing a ridge). Hold the flat left hand out, palm down, and pointing forward and toward the right, pass the flat right hand edgewise across the back of the left. If but one person is meant, Council. See Council and Laws.

Fr. d’un côté à l’autre, traverser; Ger. hinüber.

Act, as in a theatre play. Hold A hands in front perpendicularly, move up and down alternately as though the thumbs were two puppets. (Deaf sign, not used or understood by Indians.) Compare Play and Follow.

Act, as in a play. Sign Face, Two, Dance (that is dancing with a mask) (not established).

Fr. jouer; Ger. spielen.

Act or Deed. See Work.

Add to (Piling up). Flat left hand pointing to the right and front, palm up, forearm horizontal; the palm of flat right hand is placed on top of left hand a number of times, the left hand being raised a couple of inches each time, to meet it; the movement ends with left hand as high as top of the head. Often it is done as in the illustration but with palm of left down.

Adjectives, see Comparative.

Adulation. Kissing the back of the hand. (Pop.) Not Indian, but they understand it now. (R. B.)

Fr. la flatterie; Ger. die Schmeichelei.

Advance. Both flat hands back up, pointing forward, tandem, right in advance, six inches ahead (the fingers extended) moved forward together in gentle jerks. Compare Move camp.

Fr. avancer; Ger. vorschreiten.

Advance Guard (The one ahead, looking). Flat left hand back up, pointing forward, breast high; place G right just before it, then turn right G into V to mean Looking. Also used for Scout. Compare Ahead.

Fr. l’avant-garde; Ger. die Vorhut.

Advise or Advice. Sign Talk, Make, Way. (C) Sign Help and Talk would be near it.

Fr. conseiller; Ger. raten.

Afraid (Shaking heart). Sign Heart then shake it up and down two or three times, to indicate the throbbing action of the heart under influence of fear. Or more strongly, sign Heart and then finish by raising the hand until its back strikes the chin, to mean the heart rises in the throat.

Fr. effrayé; Ger. ängstlich.

Afraid or Cowardly (Seger says this means Buffalo backing out of fight; that is, “drawing in his horns.”) Hold out both G hands level, backs out, G fingers hooked like horns, draw them straight back together for six inches. Mostly but one hand is used. Compare Bring.

Fr. lâche, poltron; Ger. feige.

Afraid of no one. Point right G in several directions, then add Afraid, Not.

Fr. peur de personne; Ger. vor niemand Angst haben.

After, Behind, or Late (Time or space). G fingers pointing forward at an angle in front of body; left in advance. Draw the right over and behind the left. Draw it back a little way for a little bit after; but far back and low a long way behind. Some finish by clenching the right hand.

If it meant that one is behind the rest, use the flat left hand, palm down, in advance, with right G behind.

Fr. après; Ger. hinter, nach.

Afternoon. Make a circle of right thumb and index and sweep it over the afternoon half of the sky from the zenith down. Compare Sunset.

Fr. l’après-midi; Ger. der Nachmittag.

Again. See Repeat or More.

Against, i.e., Go Against. Thrust the tips of the flat right, back out, square against the palm of the flat left held pointing level forward, back to left. See also Oppose. Compare Quandary.

Fr. contre; Ger. wider.

Agent, Indian. Sign Whiteman and Chief, Give all. The Southern Cheyennes sign Chief and pull teeth, because their first agent had false upper teeth.

Agitate. See Excite.

Agree. Sign You, I, think, same. Sometimes use Equal. See also Treaty.

Fr. s’accorder; Ger. übereinstimmen.

Agreement. See Treaty.

Ago, Time back, Past, or Back. Sign Time and point back over the right shoulder with right finger G. Sometimes Back.

Fr. passé, il y a quelque temps; Ger. vorher, früher.

Ahead or Before (In time). Hold out the left G pointing forward and up; swing the right G over the left to a place in front of it, both pointing the same way. Some finish by closing and lowering the right fist. Compare After.

Fr. avant; Ger. vor.

Ahead or Before others (In space or rank). Hold out flat left, back up, near breast, pointing forward and slightly upward; then hold right G just before it. Compare Advance Guard, which it exactly resembles, except that this omits Looking.

Fr. en avant; Ger. vor.

Air. See Wind.

Alight or Descend. Indicate from what, then drop right V fingers downward onto flat left palm. See Dismount.

Fr. descendre; Ger. absteigen, hinuntersteigen.

Alike, to Look like or Resemble (Of persons). Make the signs Face and Equal.

Fr. semblable; Ger. ähnlich sein.

Alive, Live, Life, or All right (Walking about, upright). Hold index of right hand upright, move it about shoulder high, forward in long slow zigzags sidewise, always turning it so as to move palm forward. Also used for Be or Exist. See Life, Deer, and Nothing. The Blackfeet use the sign Grow for this idea. See Wandering.

Fr. vivant; Ger. lebendig.

All. With right hand flat and back up, describe a large horizontal circle, shoulder high.

Fr. tout; Ger. alles.

All gone or Empty (Hands swept clean). Both 5 hands in front of body, backs out, right nearer; loosely brush fingers of right on left palm, moving right outward, then reverse and repeat. Sometimes begin with sign All. See Wipe out.

Fr. vide; Ger. leer.

Alliance or Friendship (Linked together). Form two circles with thumbs and index fingers, and link them together, other fingers closed. Some use only index fingers hooked together.

Fr. l’alliance; Ger. das Bündnis.

All right. See Good or sometimes Alive.

All the time. Hold up the left G, pointing upward, forward, and to the right; strike on it with right G near the tip, then every inch or so up to the arm. See Many times, Cheyenne and Buy.

Fr. toujours; Ger. immerzu.

Alone or Only (Living and moving singly). Move the right G hand, pointed upward, slowly forward and to left in a line slightly waving to right and left. Compare Alive, Life, Man, One and Up there.

Fr. seul; Ger. allein.

Already. See Now.

Always, Ever, or Forever (Going on in cycles). With elbow at side, hold the right G hand pointing forward; move hand forward, describing circles with the index, the result a spiral, ending with the index raised. (Frosted, borrowed from the Deaf Code.)

Always. Sign Long time, Wiped out, and Not. Sometimes sign Stop, Not. (Blackfoot signs.) See All the time.

Fr. toujours; Ger. immer.

Ambitious (Pushing to rise). Indicate a person, then sign Push and Rising man, or omit last.

Fr. ambitieux; Ger. ehrgeizig.

American. See Nationalities.

Ammunition (Cartridges in belt). Lay the flat hands, palm in, on belt, then add Shoot by shooting the right G forward. (Not Cheyenne, but understood.)

Fr. les munitions; Ger. die Munition.

Among. Hold the left 5 hand in front of neck, pointing upward, move right G index (pointing down) in and through. Sometimes use With.

Fr. parmi; Ger. unter.

Ancestor. Repeat the sign for Father several times, with the flat left hand held back out on the breast, and each time pushed farther away, the Father sign made beyond it. (Crow sign.) The Cheyennes sign Father and Old.

Fr. l’ancêtre; Ger. der Vorvater.

And or Also (Meet and go together). The spread flat right hand, breast high, back forward, drawn six inches to the right and closed to flat hand. (Deaf sign.) Compare Horse. The Cheyennes use Equal or Increase, according to the sense; or sometimes With or Add.

Fr. et, aussi; Ger. und, auch.

Angry (Mind twisted). Twist the A hand against or near the forehead.

Seger maintains that this means a “mad buffalo breaking off his own horns.” Possibly he is right; for the older signs make the heart, not the head, the place of the mind, and this must be a very old sign. Some of the Blackfeet make this sign over the heart. Some grind on the heart with the flat right fist, palm in, after pointing to the person; meaning, “he grinds my heart.” See Sorrow.

Fr. en colère; Ger. böse, zornig.

Animal or Quadruped (Jumper). The compressed right hand, back up, advanced in short jumps, as in Frog and Weasel. Sometimes the sign Ground is made, first by sweeping the flat right across, palm up. “Leaping” is generic for the quadruped as “Flying” is generic for Bird. Compare Jump. Used by Blackfeet. The Cheyennes considered it incomplete.

Fr. l’animal; Ger. das Tier.

Annihilate. See Exterminate or Wipe out.

Annoyance. See Trouble.

Annul. See Rub it out.

Another or Other (one other). Hold out flat right, back up, swing it slowly up, out, far to right and down low, turning it palm up. Compare Fall and Lie down.

Fr. un autre; Ger. ein anderer.

Another person. As above, but use right G. (Blackfoot.) In this, as usual, the index up alone means Man. This gesture is so natural that many whites use it; as, for example, in saying impatiently: “That was another man altogether.”

Answer (Talk come back). Push right G from the mouth in the sign Talk, then draw back reversed; that is, pointing to one’s own face or ear. (Blackfoot.) The Cheyennes use Talk, Arrived here.

Answer, Reply, Respond (The word that follows the other). Right G index upright on lips, left six inches ahead and parallel; move them together toward the person. (Frosted, borrowed from the Deaf Code.)

Fr. la réponse; Ger. die Antwort.

Antelope (Pronged horns of the animal). Bring the L hands palm toward and alongside of the head, near the base of the ears.

Fr. l’antelope; Ger. die Antilope.

Anxious. See Want.

Any (Scattering). Place the right A hand near left side, elbow high; draw it down and out to right side in a shaky curve. (Deaf sign.) Use Here and There. (Cheyennes.)

Fr. quelconque, quelque; Ger. irgend ein.

Apache. See Indian.

Appear, To come into view. See Come into view.

Appears, Seems, or Looks like (See and Same). Hold up flat right hand, thumb toward self, shoulder high; throw it forward and turn palm toward self, fixing the eyes on it and sign Same. Sometimes use the sign for Look before Same. (Frosted; probably adopted from Deaf Code.)

Fr. paraître; Ger. aussehen, erscheinen.

Applause. See Approval.

Approach or Moving toward. Hold partly bent left hand well in front, breast high, to left side, palm to you and right similarly to right, but quite near to you; move the latter slowly forward toward former, but not to touch it by several inches. Some use right G. See Arrive there and Quandary.

Fr. approcher; Ger. näher kommen.

Approval, Applause, or Praise. Make the motion of clapping the hands, but without noise. A white man’s sign, but now generally understood.

Fr. l’approbation; Ger. der Beifall.

Arise or Get up. Hold out right G, back down; raise the arm with a swing and snap and bend the wrist till the finger points straight up. For a large number, use both 5 hands.

Fr. se lever; Ger. aufstehen.

Arithmetic. See Numeral.

Around. See About.

Arrange (Parfleches placed in teepee). With flat right, slightly curved, back out, strike half a dozen times in a circle, turning to watch the hand; then add Good. Sometimes omit Good. Or, sign Work and Fix. See Ready.

Fr. arranger; Ger. ordnen, einrichten.

Arrest or Imprison (To seize hold of and tie at wrists). Sign Seize and then add Prisoner; that is, cross the wrists, hands closed. Sometimes the upright left forearm with S hand, back to left, is held near the left shoulder, grasp left wrist with right hand and pull it a little distance to right.

Fr. arrêter; Ger. verhaften.

Arrive here or Get here. Hold the flat left hand, back out, near the breast, fingers pointing to right; carry right G, back to front, well out in front of body; bring the right hand briskly against back of left. Often the flat right is used instead of right G.

Fr. arriver ici; Ger. hier ankommen.

Arrive there or Reach. Hold the flat left hand, back to front, well out in front of body, about height of neck, pointing to right; bring right G hand, palm outward, in front of and close to neck, carry the right hand out sharply to strike the palm of the left.

Fr. y arriver; Ger. hinkommen.

Arrogance. A haughty lifting of the eyebrows and sidelong, disdainful look down as upon an inferior. (Scott.) Head, Big. In the popular code, indicate big chest. See Conceit and Pride.

Fr. l’arrogance; Ger. die Anmaszung.

Arrow. Make, with a long swing, the motion of drawing an arrow from the left hand.

Fr. la flèche; Ger. der Pfeil.

As or Than. Both hands, G fingers parallel, level, forward near right side; carry them over to left in similar position. (A sign borrowed from the Deaf, Frosted.) This is the same as Who; only the context can show which is meant. Sign Same or Beside.

Fr. comme, que; Ger. wie, als.

Ascend. Indicate the object (hill, tree, etc.), then press right G against it, raising the same in jerks. Compare Famous.

Fr. monter; Ger. hinaufsteigen.

Ashamed or Bashful (Drawing blanket over face). Flat hands pointing up, palms in, close to face and moved in till the wrists crossed, right nearest the face; bow the head a little. Compare Blind and Dark. The bowing of the head was not generally done, yet is the only feature to distinguish it from Dark.

Fr. honteux; Ger. verschämt, verlegen.

Ashamed (I am ashamed). Cover the face and eyes with both hands. (Pop.)

Fr. avoir honte; Ger. sich schämen.

Ashamed (You should be). See Shame.

Ashes. Sign Fire and Powder.

Fr. la cendre; Ger. die Asche.

Ask. See Beg.

Assiniboine. See Indian.

Astonishment or Wonder. Lay the flat palm of left hand over the open mouth and draw the body backward. Sometimes, also, raise right hand flat, palm forward.

Fr. l’étonnement; Ger. die Verwunderung.

Astray. See Lost.

Astride. See Horseman.

At. Hold left flat hand, back up, pointing partly up; strike the back with right flat hand.

Fr. à; Ger. an, auf.

Attempt. See Try.

Attention (A command). See Call.

Aunt. Sign Father (or Mother) and Sister. Or, sign Woman with right, then tuck compressed right, point down, under left arm pit. (R. B.)

Fr. la tante; Ger. die Tante.

Aurora or Northern Lights. Both hands, backs down,

Fr. l’aurore boréale; Ger. das Nordlicht.

Automobile. See Motor car.

Autumn (Leaf-falling time). Make the sign for Tree with both hands, then for Leaf with the right near the left finger tips, then drop the leaf with tremulous, wavy motion down and to right.

Fr. l’automne; Ger. der Herbst.

Avoid or Miss. Hold up G hands, move them toward each other as in Meet, but carry left well outside, past and beyond without meeting. Compare Meet, Trade, and Mistake.

Fr. éviter; Ger. vermeiden.

Awl. Bore right G finger into left palm. Or, over the left G as in sewing.

Fr. l’alêne; Ger. die Ahle.

Axe or Hatchet. Hold out the flat right hand, back to right, wrist bent downward. Make as though chopping with it; that is, strike down once or twice. Some also grasp it near the elbow with left index and thumb, but the Cheyennes omit this. For Hatchet, indicate Size. See Tomahawk.

Fr. la hache; Ger. das Beil.

B

Baby. Swing the flat right hand (sometimes S hand) in the hollow of the left arm as though it were a baby. Add signs for sex and size when needed. Compare Tomahawk.

Fr. le bébé; Ger. das Kindchen, der Säugling.

Bachelor. Sign Man, Marriage, No. (C)

Fr. le célibataire; Ger. der Junggeselle.

Back or Again. See Repeat.

Back, Backward, Ago, or Past (In time or space). Throw right 5 hand thumb first back over right shoulder once or twice. See Ago.

Fr. en arrière; Ger. hinten, zurück.

Backbite. Lay the right V hand on the mouth, as in Lie, then lay it on the back of the right shoulder. (Blackfoot.)

Backbite. Sign Scold, Talk, and Hide.

Fr. médire de; Ger. verleumden.

Bacon (Meat and thin). Hold out the flat left hand, thumb edge up; with thumb and finger tips of right back down, rub little finger of left. Hadley gives this with the right hand over. It makes a better sign, but I never saw it used that way. Compare Meat and Thin and Oil.

Fr. le lard; Ger. der Speck.

Bad or Evil (Suddenly thrown away). Hold clenched fist, back up, near breast; throw it forward, down, and aside, opening the hand. Sometimes for emphasis both hands are used. Compare Abandon, Charge, and Hate.

Fr. mauvais; Ger. schlecht.

Badger (Walks under ground). Sign Hole, Enter, and Walk. The Blackfeet sign is Striped-face with size and pawing indicated.

Fr. le blaireau; Ger. der Dachs.

Bad Taste. See Taste Bad.

Bag. Left C hand, back out; drop compressed right into this; then sometimes indicate thickness with flat hands pointing straight up.

Fr. le sac; Ger. der Sack.

Bald. Lay the flat right hand on the forehead, draw it up and back to the top of the head. Touch the hair and sign Wiped-out. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. chauve; Ger. kahlköpfig.

Band or Patrol (Banded together). Hold the compressed left hand pointing up; encircle it with the right forefinger and thumb. (Chasing Bear.) Not a true Indian sign and not used, but would understand it. (Seger.) Sometimes use Bunch or Few. See Tribe or Troop.

Fr. la bande, la patrouille; Ger. die Schar, die Truppe.

Bankrupt. See Done.

Bar or Saloon (House of drink). Sign Crazy, Drink, House.

Fr. le cabaret, la buvette; Ger. die Bierstube, die Kneipe.

Bark (Like a dog). Sign Talk, but use index and middle finger against thumb.

Fr. aboyer; Ger. bellen.

Barracks. Sign White, Soldier, House.

Fr. la caserne; Ger. die Kaserne.

Barren. Sign Born and All gone.

Fr. stérile; Ger. unfruchtbar.

Bar up. See Fins.

Baseball signs. These, of course, are not Indian; they differ locally, but the three following are used by most umpires:

A strike. The sign “Yes.”

Out. The Same as the “No” sign (as tho striking something to one side with the back of hand).

Safe. Hand raised as in “Easy.”

Bashful. See Ashamed.

Basin or Hollow (A spread out circle). Hold the L hands low in front, backs up, forming an incomplete horizontal circle, not touching, the index fingers nearer each other than thumbs; swing the hands apart by wrist action so the index fingers point nearly forward.

Fr. le bassin; Ger. die Vertiefung, die Grube.

Basket. Sign Kettle, then interlock fingers as in House of logs, to show structure. The Cheyennes understand this, though usually they sign Kettle and Sew.

Basket. Lock the fingers of the hollowed hands, backs down, join the thumbs as for a handle, then with the right hand grasp left thumb and raise the hand a few inches. (Sioux.) Compare Corral.

Fr. le panier; Ger. der Korb.

Bat. Sign Night and zigzag flight; i.e., flat hands side by side, breast high, flapped first to right side next to left. (C)

Fr. la chauve-souris; Ger. die Fledermaus.

Battle, Combat. Sign Fight, after which make Shoot with each hand toward the other. (C) Compare Fight and Kill.

Fr. la bataille, le combat; Ger. die Schlacht.

Battle-cry or War-cry. Open the mouth as in saying “O” and pat it with flattened fingers of right hand. (C) The Cheyennes use Yell.

Fr. le cri de bataille; Ger. der Schlachtruf.

Bay. Sign Water, then bring right L hand well out in front of body, forming a horizontal half-circle. (C)

Fr. la baie; Ger. die Bucht.

Bayonet. Sign Gun, then lay left G index alongside right G, the latter one-third ahead. If there is doubt, indicate drawing it on the barrel tip.

Fr. la baïonnette; Ger. das Bajonett.

Be, to be or exist (Living). Sign Alive and then finish with Now or Past to indicate tense, and Many to indicate plural. Sometimes use Dwell or Recover for this idea. Compare Alone.

Fr. étre; Ger. existieren, sein.

Beads. Hold out the flat right, slightly hollow; drop it a little with a sidewise quivering to suggest the shimmering of a handful of beads. (C)

Beads. Simulate holding beads between the left index and thumb, while threading them with a needle in the right. For Beadwork add a design or sign for Work.

Fr. les perles; Ger. die Perlen.

Beans (One picked out of a handful). Right hand flat, palm up, index and thumb joined with the tip of index projecting. (Chasing Bear. Understood by Cheyennes.)

Fr. les haricots; Ger. die Bohnen.

Bear. Hold out the Y hands, backs up, and strike both down; push both forward in a series of jerks, or swing down, forward and up.

Bear. Hold up flat fists near ears, palms forward, to indicate round ears. (Blackfoot.) Some indicate the paws by holding up both curved 5 hands.

Fr. l’ours; Ger. der Bär.

Bear, Grizzly. As above, but indicate the gray color.

Fr. l’ours gris; Ger. der graue Bär.

Beard. Hang the compressed right hand, point down, under chin. The hand or hands are differently placed for different cuts of whiskers.

Fr. la barbe; Ger. der Bart.

Beat, or Overcome. Use Kill.

Beautiful, Handsome, or Pretty. Hold up flat right hand, and look on the palm as in a mirror, then make the sign Good.

Beautiful. Draw the flat hand down near the face, back forward, and sign Good.

Fr. beau; Ger. schön.

Beaver (Tail of beaver striking mud or water). Hold left flat hand in front of body, left arm horizontal; strike up against the left palm once or twice with back of right flat hand.

Fr. le castor; Ger. der Biber.

Because. Sign Consider, then Behold. Understood by Cheyennes and Blackfeet, though not well established.

Fr. parce que; Ger. weil.

Become or Turn into. Sign Grow and Same or Arrive there.

Fr. devenir; Ger. werden.

Bed (Spreading blanket for sleep). Hold flat hands palms up, points forward, one behind the other, left ahead, push it forward, at same time draw back right, then add Sleep.

Fr. le lit; Ger. das Bett.

Bee. Sign Fly, Arrow, and One. (C) In Cheyenne, sign Small, Bird, Make, Taste.

Fr. l’abeille; Ger. die Biene.

Before. See Ahead.

Before, that is, Future. Sign for Time, but hold left hand near breast and swing right forward, up and over. Or sign After, Many Sleeps.

Fr. avant; Ger. ehe.

Beg (To ask alms). Hold out the flat right hand, palm up, as a beggar does. Swing it forward and upward, then draw it toward self, slightly curving the fingers.

Fr. mendier; Ger. betteln.

Beg, I beg of you, Ask, I pray you. Lay the flat hands together, palms touching, fingers pointing up (or clasp them) and hold them toward the person. A white sign now understood by the Indians. Compare Pray.

Fr. supplier; Ger. bitten.

Begin, Commence, Must, Push, Try, Go ahead (Start in a race). With elbow at sides and arms level, push fists forward two or three inches, right a little behind. Or use Go. See Strong.

Fr. commencer; Ger. anfangen, beginnen.

Behavior. See Way.

Behind. See After.

Behold. Hold out flat right, palm up, pointing forward and moved slowly down to below level. Sometimes use both hands. Compare Show.

Fr. regardez!; Ger. siehe da!

Believe. Sign Think, Straight.

Fr. croire; Ger. glauben.

Belonging to. See Possession.

Below, Beneath, or Under. Is the reverse of Above; which see.

Fr. dessous, sous; Ger. unter.

Belt. With both hands, make as though putting on a belt.

Fr. la ceinture; Ger. der Gürtel.

Beneath. See Below.

Bend or Bent. Take left index in right finger and thumb and bend the middle joint of it at right angles. Or sign Break very slowly.

Fr. plier; Ger. biegen.

Berry. With right middle finger and thumb hold tip of right index, letting it project a little; add Bushes. Or, sign Tree, Pick, and Eat. This is a descriptive phrase rather than an established sign, but it is a good illustration of impromptu constructions which are continually made and are at once understood because in harmony with the main principles of Sign Talk. Compare Fruit, Cherry, and Bullet.

Fr. la baie; Ger. die Beere.

Beside or By (By the side of). Like With, but right G about three inches off left palm. Sometimes use Close.

Fr. à côté de, près de; Ger. neben.

Bet or Wager (Placing on each of two piles). Indicate the event, as Race, then sign Place; that is, hold out partly compressed hands backs up; swing both forward up and down nearly together at finish.

Fr. le pari; Ger. die Wette.

Between. Hold up the flat hands, palm to palm, six inches apart; then thrust the right G on line close past left palm.

Between. Hold left V hand, fingers level, pointing to right (or straight up) and drop right G down between.

Fr. entre; Ger. zwischen.

Beware, Caution, or Look out. See Warning.

Beyond or Other side. Hold the flat left hand, back up, in front of body about ten inches, fingers pointing to right; bring flat right hand, back up, between left and body at same height, fingers pointing to left; swing the right hand upward, outward, and then downward on curve, beyond left hand, turning right hand back down in movement. Compare Fall and Other.

Fr. au-delà de; Ger. jenseits.

Bible. Sign Book and Medicine.

Fr. la Bible; Ger. die Bibel.

Big. Hold the curved 5 hands with palms toward each other, well out in front of the body, hands a little lower than shoulders and a few inches apart, pointing forward; separate hands, carrying right to right, left to left, keeping them opposite each other. Also used for Long. Compare Great and Long.

Fr. grand, gros; Ger. grosz.

Bighorn. See Sheep.

Bird. With flat hands at the shoulders, palms down, imitate the motion of wings. Using different speeds for different birds. Compare Fly, which progresses.

Fr. l’oiseau; Ger. der Vogel.

Birth. See Born.

Bison. See Buffalo.

Bit (Of a bridle). Place the L hand palm down on the mouth.

Fr. le frein; Ger. das Gebisz.

Bite. Bring the right C hand, back outward and upward, a little in front of the body; snap sharply together the tips of the first and second fingers and the tip of thumb against the back of the left flat hand, repeating the motion. Some omit left hand. The Blackfeet make this from the mouth.

Fr. mordre; Ger. beiszen.

Bitter or Sour. Touch tongue with tip of right G and add Bad. Compare Salt, Sugar, Taste, Taste bad.

Fr. amer; Ger. bitter.

Black. See Color.

Blackfoot. See Indian.

Blackguarding or Reviling (Lies from both). Hold up right V, pointing nearly level forward, opposite right shoulder; left ditto at left shoulder; swing them alternately at each other.

Fr. outrager, insulter; Ger. jemanden beschimpfen.

Blanket or Robe (Wrapping about shoulder). Bring the A hands palms toward each other, opposite and above each shoulder near the neck; move the right hand to left and left to right till the wrists are crossed, right hand nearest body. Compare Fond.

Fr. la couverture; Ger. die Decke.

Bless you (Drawing from above and spreading out). Hold the flat hands high up in front, palms forward, apart, at arm’s length. Lower them a little and slightly push toward the person meant. (C)

Fr. que Dieu vous bénisse; Ger. Gott segne dich!

Blessing the food. Hold both 5 hands over the food, then add Talk upward.

Blind. Bring both flat hands, backs outward, in front of and close to eyes, right hand nearest and both hands parallel to face; move right hand slightly to left, left to right; then place the tips of the fingers against closed eyes. (C)

Fr. aveugle; Ger. blind.

Blood (A wounded buffalo bleeds at the nostrils). Raise the right V hand so the tips of the fingers are pressed one against each nostril; move the hand to the right and downward, giving it a tremulous motion. Add Red. Some omit Red.

Fr. le sang; Ger. das Blut.

Bloom or Blossom. See Flower.

Bluff. See Hill.

Boat. Bring the hands together hollowed, fingers straight, little fingers joining, the thumbs somewhat apart, to represent the body of a boat, held before the breast. Push it forward to indicate movement. Add the motion of paddling for Canoe, or Rowing for bigger boat. Usually the Boat sign is omitted; Paddling or Rowing being enough by itself. Compare Bowl.

Fr. le bateau; Ger. der Kahn.

Boil. See Cook.

Fr. bouillir; Ger. kochen.

Bone. Hold up the left hand, palm down, wrist a little bent; with right G tap the wrist bone on outer side of left; then add Hard.

Fr. l’os; Ger. der Knochen.

Bonnet, that is, Warbonnet. Sweep 5 hands along near each side of head from front to back. Sometimes also sweep right 5 hand down behind for the Tail.

Fr. le bonnet de guerre; Ger. die Federkappe.

Book. Open and close the flat hands like cover of a book, then indicate the lines of writing. Sometimes show the thickness to distinguish it from Letter. Compare Open and Shut.

Fr. le livre; Ger. das Buch.

Born, Birth, or Parturition (Issuing from loins). Flat right in front of and near the body, pointing downward and to front, moved downward and outward on a curve. Compare Dive.

Fr. né; Ger. geboren.

Borrow. See Lend.

Boss. Use Chief.

Both. Sign Or, that is, hold up the left V, pointing forward, and tap each tip of V, and in turn, with right G; then over left V add All with right. Sometimes point to each and add Two. Sometimes use All. Blackfeet use Two and Same.

Fr. tous les deux; Ger. beide.

Bow (Weapon). The left A hand held still, a little advanced, the right A hand touches it and makes the motion of drawing the cord of the bow.

Fr. l’arc; Ger. der Schiessbogen.

Bowl (A vessel). With curved hands side by side, fingers bent, palms up, indicate shape. (C) Compare Boat. For a larger vessel, use Basin.

Fr. le bol; Ger. die Schale, die Schüssel.

Box. Hold out both flat hands side by side, backs up; then swing apart and down at right angles, turning the hands at the angle so the backs are out.

Fr. la boîte; Ger. der Kasten.

Boy. Sign Man, Young.

Fr. le garçon; Ger. der Knabe.

Brag. See Bravado.

Brain. Touch forehead with N hand.

Fr. le cerveau; Ger. das Gehirn.

Brand or Name. All fingers of right closed but thumb and index, these form a “C,” which lay on the palm of Name.

Fr. la marque, marquer avec un fer rouge; Ger. das Zeichen, das Brandmal, einbrennen.

Bravado or Brag. Sign Fire, Talk, True, and No. (C)

Fr. la bravade; Ger. die Prahlerei.

Brave (Strong heart). Sign Heart and Strong.

Fr. brave; Ger. mutig, tapfer.

Brave, as an intensive. See Very much.

Bread (Making a cake). Gently clap the slightly hollow right hand over slightly hollow left hand, then reverse so left is on right and clap them together again; repeat.

Fr. le pain; Ger. das Brot.

Break. Make the motion of seizing a stick, hold it horizontally with both hands and breaking it in the middle. The thumbs finish wide apart.

Fr. casser, briser; Ger. zerbrechen.

Breakfast. Sign Sunrise and Eat.

Fr. le déjeuner; Ger. das Frühstück.

Breeze. See Wind.

Bribe. Hold the hand behind the back, hollowed, open and palm up. (Pop.)

Fr. corrompre; Ger. bestechen.

Bridge (Lifting over water). Sign Water; hold out the Across.

Fr. le pont; Ger. die Brücke.

Bridle. Like Bit; but raise the hand till near the eyes.

Fr. la bride; Ger. der Zaum.

Bring, Take, or Fetch. Move the right G hand briskly well in front or to right or left of body; draw the hand with a sweep in toward the body, at the same time curving index finger. Compare Come in which the index is held vertically, and Steal.

Fr. apporter, prendre; Ger. bringen, nehmen, holen.

Broad or Wide. Same as Big, but keep the hands flat and palms up.

Broad and Spreading is the same as above but with palms down. Compare Prairie.

Fr. large; Ger. breit.

Broke or Dead broke. See Done (No. 2.)

Broken down. See Decrepit.

Brook. See Creek.

Brother (Suck together). Lay nearly horizontal N of right hand on lips; draw it away and down, then add Male.

Fr. le frère; Ger. der Bruder.

Brother-in-Law. Left forearm across breast; with lower edge of flat right, strike down past left elbow. Probably means relative on the side. (R. B.)

Fr. le beau-frère; Ger. der Schwager.

Bucket. Sign Bowl, then indicate the handle.

Fr. le seau; Ger. der Eimer.

Buffalo (Curved horns). Hold the curved G fingers palms toward and close to sides of head; raise the hands slightly and carry them a little to the front. To distinguish domestic cattle, add Spotted. The Navahos reverse this; that is, with them the curved horns as above means Cattle, to which they add Beard, to mean Buffalo.

Fr. le bison; Ger. der Büffel.

Bullet. Sign Fire off; then grasp the forefinger of the hand with the second finger and thumb, so that the tip of it will so extend beyond them and represent the ball.

Fr. la balle; Ger. die Kugel.

Bunch (Of fruit). Hold out the compressed right hand opposite throat, fingers pointing down. Compare Beard.

Bunch (A small herd grazing). Hold out curved right 5 hand, back up and forward. See Herd. Sometimes use Enclosure.

Fr. le troupeau; Ger. die Anzahl, die kleine Herde.

Burn. Sign Fire and Wipe out.

Fr. brûler; Ger. brennen.

Bushes or Brush. Like Grass, but breast high; and draw right hand to you and left far ahead.

Fr. la broussaille; Ger. das Gebüsch.

Busy. Sign Push and Work.

Fr. occupé; Ger. beschäftigt.

But, Except, Save, or Unless (Of all one pulled back). Sign All, with right swung to left; then sign One, with left at left side, and pull it to right side between forefinger and thumb of right.

But. Sign All Go, One, Sits.

But (One drawn back). Point right G down, forward and to right; hold it a second, then jerk it back four or five inches. (Hadley.)

Fr. mais; Ger. aber.

Butte. See Hill.

Buy. Sign Money and Trade, making it clear who gives the money.

Buy or Sell i.e., Market. Tap three times on side of left G index with side of right G index. Compare, All the time, Peas, and While. See Sell.

Fr. acheter; Ger. kaufen.

By. See Beside.

By and By (After a little time). Hold the pinched index and thumb of each hand as in Time, but half an inch apart. Or sign Time afterward. Compare Sometime.

Fr. plus tard; (C) Ger. später.

C

Cache. See Hide.

Call, Attention! Say! Strike the palm of the open left hand with the tips of right fingers, then swing right G a little toward the person.

Fr. dites donc; Ger. hören Sie!

Called or Named. Lay the back of the crooked right G on lips, pointing to front and left, its tip pressed against the thumb, which is nearly straight; then move the hand upward and forward in a curve, straightening out the index finally with a snap, pointing toward the person or thing. Compare Talk in which the action is repeated. See also Name.

Fr. appelé; Ger. genannt.

Camera. Sign Picture and See. Compare Photograph.

Camp (Set up the lodge). Sign Teepee, holding the hands face high; drop the hands together for a foot with energy.

Fr. le camp; Ger. das Lager.

Camp-fire. Hold left hand flat, palm down, fingers a little spread; then lay right hand fingers similarly held across at right angles, to indicate the wood laid ready, and add the sign for Fire. (Sheeaka.) Not a true Indian sign, but sufficiently descriptive for the Cheyennes to understand it.

Fr. le feu de camp; Ger. das Lagerfeuer.

Camp-fire Girls. Sign Camp-fire, then raise the right index in a spiral for Smoke.

Camp-fire man are you? Give the signs Question, you, camp-fire, and man or briefly make the Camp-fire sign and look inquiringly.

Fr. Êtes vous membre du Camp-fire Club; Ger. Sind Sie ein Mitglied des Lagerfeuer Klubs?

Can, Able, or Power. Hold both S hands in front, elbows at sides, thumbs up; drop the hands for six inches with a jerk. (Sheeaka and the Blackfeet.) Sometimes use only one hand. The Cheyennes sign Own, Strong, Medicine.

Fr. pouvoir; Ger. können.

Candid (True, clear as day and good). Sign True, Day, and Good. (C)

Fr. sincère; Ger. aufrichtig.

Candle. Hold up left G finger and with right hand sign Fire on its tip, then indicate length on left arm.

Fr. la bougie; Ger. die Kerze.

Candy-stick. Sign Sugar; then on left G index held upright, show stripes. (C)

Fr. le bonbon; Ger. das Zuckerwerk.

Cannon. Sign Gun and Big.

Fr. le canon; Ger. die Kanone.

Cannot, or Unable, Fail, Failure (The arrow that failed to stick). Hold the flat left hand out in front, thumb edge up; strike the palm of it with the forefinger of the right G hand, which then at once rebounds and is thrown forward and down to rest on its back.

Fr. ne pas pouvoir, incapable; Ger. nicht können, unfähig.

Canoe. Sign Boat and Paddle.

Canoe of birch bark. Push forward compressed right, back down, to represent the curved prow, then add Paddle.

Fr. la pirogue, le canot; Ger. das Kanu, der Rindenkahn.

Canyon (Between hills). Hold up the fists, palms toward each other, about six inches apart, face high; then indicate Go between; that is, hold the left unchanged but thrust forward the flat right hand, palm to left. (Blackfoot.) Compare Between.

Fr. le canyon, le grand ravin; Ger. die Schluckt.

Cards. Hold imaginary cards in left and deal with right hand.

Fr. les cartes; Ger. die Karten.

Caribou. Sign Deer, High, and lay the flat right hand on forehead so the fingers slightly spread point forward, showing the brow shovel. (Blackfoot.) Sometimes omit High.

Fr. le renne, le caribou; Ger. das Karibu.

Carriage, or Covered Wagon. Sign Wagon, then raise the hands, palms down, flat, but bent at an angle, up above the head, and move forward about two feet to represent the carriage top.

Carriage or Buggy. Sign Wagon, Small, and sometimes add Black.

Fr. la voiture; Ger. der Wagen.

Carry or Pack. Both closed hands held opposite the temple as if holding the tump line, the shoulders slightly forward as though bearing a pack.

Fr. porter; Ger. tragen.

Carry in the hand. With one hand make as though carrying a basket by the handle.

Cars. See Railroad train.

Cartridge. Hold right G hand, back up, in front of body, index horizontal and pointing to front, thumb pressed against side of index, with the thumb tip just back of second joint; add Shoot. See Ammunition.

Fr. la cartouche; Ger. die Patrone, (artill) die Kartusche.

Cat (Flattened or turned-up nose). Lay A hand on nose, rotating a little out and up. (C) Sign Nose, Short, Dog.

Fr. le chat; Ger. die Katze.

Catch. Same as Get but action quicker. See Get.

Fr. attraper; Ger. fangen.

Catholic. Indicate gown by sweeping the 5 hands down over the sides and outward; then add Black. Sometimes make the sign of the Cross.

Fr. catholique; Ger. katholisch.

Cattle. Sign Buffalo and Spotted. (Blackfoot.) Compare Buffalo. Or, sign Buffalo and Whiteman.

Fr. les bestiaux; Ger. das Vieh.

Caution. See Warning.

Cavalry. Soldier and Ride.

Fr. la cavalerie; Ger. die Kavallerie.

Centre. With thumbs and index fingers of L hands make a horizontal circle; then, keeping the left unchanged, indicate centre with right G finger. Sometimes draw a horizontal circle with right G, then drop same down into its centre.

Fr. le centre; Ger. die Mitte.

Certain. Sign I, Know, Good. Or use True.

Fr. certain; Ger. sicher.

Challenge, Defy, or Dare. Spring the middle finger with a vigorous snap toward the person, the other fingers closed; hand held face high, back up. A European sign given by Butler. Compare There and Defiance.

Fr. défier; Ger. herausfordern.

Chance. See Luck.

Character (Shape of heart). Lay right C hand on heart, draw it out, that is, forward, a little and with both A hands outline a human figure. (D) Sign Heart, Good, Bad. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. le caractère; Ger. der Charakter.

Charge (Military, against others). Swing both fists from right shoulder forward and a little down in an up curve, away, rising a little, at the same time springing them open.

Fr. la charge (contre les autres); Ger. die Attacke, der Angriff (gegen andere).

Charge (Military, against us). Similar but reversed, springing the hands open toward one’s face.

Fr. la charge (contre nous); Ger. die Attacke (gegen uns).

Chase. See Follow.

Cherries (Choke). Sign, Tree, Pick, and Pound. (Blackfoot.) See Berry.

Fr. les cerises; Ger. die Kirschen.

Cheyenne. See Indian.

Chicken. Sign Bird, then Red and with 5 hand on crown show Comb. (C) Or sign Bird and Whiteman.

Fr. le poulet; Ger. das Huhn.

Chief (People with one man rising above them). Hold up left 5 hand, palm to right, pass index of right G hand at several inches above left. (Scott.) The Cheyennes omit left hand; they shoot the right G up over and much down in a long sweep, finishing lower than it began.

Fr. le commandant; Ger. der Häuptling.

Child or Offspring. Compressed right hand, points up, swung well out in front and dropped a foot to the height of the child. Compare Young.

Fr. l’enfant; Ger. das Kind.

Children (Springing up). Hold out both hands, palms up, very low, fingers pointing up and scarcely spread; alternately swing them up and down for six inches. Compare Grass, in which they are held low and are spread widely; also Bushes.

Fr. les enfants; Ger. die Kinder.

Choose, Make choice, or Select. Hold right G shoulder high, back up, a foot in front of the breast, swing it in a Find, Hunting, and Look.

Fr. choisir; Ger. wählen.

Chop. Use the flat right hand, little finger down, as an axe, chopping first from right, then from left, once on each side. Sometimes do this on back of left hand, which stands for the log. Compare Free, which is two or three cuts on right side only.

Fr. couper, trancher; Ger. hauen, hacken.

Christmas (The day of the shining tree). Sign Tree, then hold hand with fingers spread and crooked, palm down, level of face. Lower it six inches in short, quick zigzags to suggest glittering or shimmering. (W. C. Roe.) In Snow the hand is lowered in long zigzags for about two feet. See Shimmer. Or sign Middle, Winter, Tree, and Hanging; for the last, hold the curved 5 hands, backs up, at level of the eyes; jerk them a little apart. (R. B.)

Fr. le Noël; Ger. Weihnachten.

Church (Steeple house). Cross clasp the fingers so the tips are within, then raise both index fingers to form the steeple. (Pop.)

Church. Sign Medicine, Talk, House.

Fr. l’église; Ger. die Kirche.

Cigarette. Sign Tobacco; then lay G fingers side by side pointing opposite ways; roll one about the other. Sometimes omit Tobacco; sometimes give Cigar (2nd sign) and Little.

Fr. la cigarette; Ger. die Zigarette.

Cigar (2). Sign Cigarette, Black, and Smoking. Sometimes hold right G at corner of mouth, pointing forward. Cigar and Cigarette are recent signs and changing rapidly.

Fr. le cigare; Ger. die Zigarre.

City (Big town). Make sign for Town, then add sign for Big. Or omit Big but swing the hands far apart.

Fr. la ville; Ger. die Stadt.

Cities. Many are indicated by their initial letter enhanced with twisting motion. (D) For some we may use their nickname but this is merely a suggestion.

Boston (The Hub). Sign for City and Centre.

Chicago (Windy City). Sign for City and Wind. The Cheyennes call it Big Lake City.

Kansas City (Buffalo Head City). Sign Buffalo Head and point up high to the wall. (Cheyenne.)

London. Sign City, Chief, and Red Coats.

New York (Knickerbocker City). Sign for City and trousers cut off below the knee; i.e., draw flat of hand down over thigh then below knee and stop, turning edge of hand in. Or sign Big Island City. (Blackfoot.)

Ottawa. Sign City, Chief, and Capotes.

Philadelphia (Quaker City). Sign City, then make sign for broad hat with rim curled up by drawing both index fingers across mid-brow, level in front, then twisting them up at the place of the rim. Or “no name, just Big City, nothing distinctive.” (Blackfoot.)

Pittsburg (Smoky City). Sign for City and Smoky.

Rome (Eternal City). Sign City and Forever.

Washington. Sign Father, Chief, Sits. (Cheyenne.)

Clean-handed or Innocent (Great Spirit see no blood on these hands). Lift hands over shoulder, palms up higher than head and add Blood, No. (C) Or, sign Work, Bad, No.

Fr. innocent; Ger. unschuldig.

Clear (Clear Sky). Sign Clouds, then swing the hands wide apart, finishing with palms up at arm’s length, up high. Or, sign Clouds, Wiped out. (Blackfoot.)

Clever. See Cunning.

Close, Near, Nearly, Soon, Early, About, or Almost (Draw near). Bring the flat curved right hand, back to right, well out in front of body, about height of shoulder; draw the hand in toward the body and slightly downward. Compare Far. See also Soon.

Fr. près, presque; Ger. nahe, beinahe.

Clothes. See Coat.

Clouds (Rolling). Rotate the flat hands over each other from in front of the face, to over the head.

Clouds (Rain). Look upward, swing the flat hands at arm’s length, palms down over the head; then add Rain.

Fr. les nuages; Ger. die Wolken.

Coal. Sign Hard, Fire, and Good.

Fr. le charbon; Ger. die Kohle.

Coat or Clothes. Hold the L hands near the breast, palms in; swing them down to the waist.

Fr. l’habit; Ger. der Rock.

Coffee (Grinding coffee in mill). A few inches over the flat left hand, back down, move the right A as though turning the crank of a coffee mill. Or, sign Black Drink. Compare Tobacco.

Fr. le café; Ger. der Kaffee.

Coin. Close hollow right over hollowed left and shake as tho jingling coin. (Sheeaka; not Indian, but now understood.) See Dollar.

Fr. la pièce d’argent; Ger. die Münze.

Cold (Shivering). Bring the fists in front of and close to body, height of shoulder, elbows at sides, shoulders drawn in, and shiver. See Winter. Compare Blanket.

Fr. froid; Ger. kalt.

Color. With the finger tips of right hand (thumb crooked under) rub circularly on the palm of left hand as though rubbing color. Often add Same or Equal, to make more clear.

Fr. la couleur; Ger. die Farbe.

Black. Sign Color and touch the hair or eyebrow.

Fr. noir; Ger. schwarz.

Blue. Sign Sun with left hand and then draw the right G finger around it to mean color of sky around the sun. (Sheeaka). Or, sign Color and Sky.

Fr. bleu; Ger. blau.

Brown. Sign Color and Deer.

Fr. brun; Ger. braun.

Gray. Sign Color, Little, and White.

Fr. gris; Ger. grau.

Green. Sign Color and Grass.

Fr. vert; Ger. grün.

Red (Cheek color). Sign Color and lightly brush the right finger tips over the cheek, points to right.

Fr. rouge; Ger. rot.

White. Sign Color and rub thumb nail of left A hand with tip of right G finger; i.e., nail color, white in Indians.

Fr. blanc; Ger. weiss.

Yellow. Sign Color and point to any yellow object, such as a straw or dead grass. Or sign Color, Grass, and Dead.

Fr. jaune; Ger. gelb.

For other colors, touch or indicate some object of the tint meant.

Comb. With all fingers of right 5 hand hooked, comb the right side of the head and down as far as the breast two or three times. Compare Woman.

Fr. le peigne; Ger. der Kamm.

Combat. See Battle.

Come. Carry right G hand, back out, fingers up, in a graceful sweep from arm’s length to within a foot of one’s face. Many use the flat hand swung down and to you, palm under and toward you. Railroad men use the whole arm, swinging it across the body at an angle of 45 degrees, so as to be seen in a dim light.

Fr. venez; Ger. kommen Sie.

Come back. Hold flat left, back forward, near breast; swing right ditto pointed up from arm’s length in against back of left. See Arrive here.

Fr. revenez; Ger. kommen Sie zurück.

Come between or Intervene. Hold out left hand flat, back out, at arm’s length and pass flat right, thumb up, between left and body.

Fr. s’interposer, intervenir; Ger. dazwischen kommen.

Come gently. See Easy.

Come for a moment. Right hand held forward and up, fingers closed except index, with which beckon by crooking and straightening, the hand not moved. (Pop.) White sign, now fully adopted by the Cheyennes.

Fr. venez une seconde; Ger. kommen Sie einen Augenblick her.

Come into view or Appear. Hold out flat left hand, back forward, thrust right G index up, farther off, under and behind, until it appears above.

Fr. paraître; Ger. erscheinen.

Comfort (See how smooth or fat). Draw flat right hand, palm in, down breast, then off and up in curve forward, palm up. (Sheeaka.) Compare Confess. Sometimes use Glad. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. le bien-être; Ger. die Behaglichkeit.

Comfortable. Alternately rub left palm over back of right hand, then right over left back, always palm up; then swing both forward. (Sheeaka. Probably from Deaf.)

Fr. confortable; Ger. gemütlich.

Coming. Hold out the flat right, palm to you and pointing nearly up; draw it to you in little jerks.

Fr. venant; Ger. kommend.

Coming man. See Rising man.

Commence. See Begin.

Compass points.

North—Wind cold there.

Fr. le nord; Ger. der Norden.

East—Sunrise there.

Fr. l’est; Ger. der Osten.

South—Wind warm there.

Fr. le sud; Ger. der Süden.

West—Sunset there.

Fr. l’ouest; Ger. der Westen.

Complete. See Done.

Comparative, etc., of Adjectives.

For Positive, give first the adjective then swing the flat right hand out a little, level, palm up. (Sheeaka.)

For Comparative, give first the adjective then raise the right G hand to the height of the chin, pointing up. (Sheeaka.) See More, and sometimes use Ahead or Above after the adjective.

Fr. le comparatif; Ger. der Komparativ.

For Superlative, give first the adjective then add Strong and Ahead or Very much.

Fr. le superlatif; Ger. der Superlativ.

Conceal. See Hide.

Conceit (Swelled Head). Hold hands open and curved, one on each side of the head, two or three inches away. A whiteman’s sign, but quite well known now to the younger generation of Indians.

If in unbelievable degree, stretch the right hand at full length sidewise, and work the first finger as though scratching the ear which is supposed to be just above the hand. (Pop.)

Conceit. Sign He, Think, Strong.

Fr. la vanité, la présomption; Ger. die Einbildung, der Dünkel.

Conduct. Same as Way.

Confess (Show the heart). Lay points of both compressed hands on centre of breast, then spring them away, out and aside, turning them flat and palms up. Sometimes but one hand is used. I am inclined to Heart and Behold, although none of my Indians made it that way. Sometimes sign You, Tell, True.

Fr. confesser; Ger. gestehen.

Congress. Sign Whiteman, Chief, Council (No. 2).

Fr. le Congrès; Ger. der Kongresz.

Connivance (Wink, that is, close one eye). This ancient sign assumes that the person who should see, closes the eye next his accomplice. (Pop. Also Cheyenne.)

Fr. la connivence; Ger. die Konnivenz, das (strafbare) Einverständnis.

Consider, Ponder, or Weigh (Wisdom looking on the ground). Sign Wolf (i.e., wisdom, analogous with our word “foxy”), then turn downward the points of the two fingers representing the wolf ears, back of hand near the eyes and moving the hand from right to left as in surveying the ground. (Scott.)

Consider. Hold the right “4” hand near the heart, pointing to left, rotate a little back and forth. (Blackfoot.)If. See Because.

Fr. considérer; Ger. erwägen.

Constable. See Policeman.

Contempt. See Scorn.

Contented. To make contented, Satisfied. Use Glad or Sit, Good. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. content; Ger. zufrieden.

Continue. Sign Go and Long Time. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. continuer; Ger. fortsetzen.

Conversation. See Discussion, Speech, and Talk.

Cook (In the abstract). See Make and Food.

Fr. faire cuire, cuisiner; Ger. kochen.

Cook (By boiling). With both L hands make a horizontal circle, then holding left unchanged, put something into it with right and add Fire. Compare Centre and Hole.

Fr. cuire, bouillir; Ger. kochen.

Cook (By frying). Place flat right on flat left hand, palm to palm, then flip the right like a pancake, turning it palm up as it drops on the left.

Cook (By broiling). As in the above Frying, but leave out the left hand entirely.

Fr. griller; Ger. braten, rösten.

Cook (noun). Sign Man, Makes, Food.

Fr. le cuisinier; Ger. der Koch.

Coon. See Raccoon.

Corn (Shelling the corn). Hold out the left A hand, thumb straight and resting on index finger; place the ball of the thumb of right A hand on back of left thumb near its base; twist the right hand by wrist action to the right and downward until the right thumb slips off with a snap against the right index. Repeat once or twice.

Fr. le maïs; Ger. der türkische Weizen, der Mais.

Corral or Fenced Field or Pasture (Area embraced or held). Interlock the fingers, hold arms curved in Enclosure, i.e., swing the hands apart and draw back each in a half circle till their heels meet near you.

Fr. le corral; Ger. die Einzäunung.

Council (Sitting in a circle and talking). Bring the A hands, back outward, well out in front of body, a little lower than the shoulders, little fingers touching; swing them apart and toward the body so they meet close to it, forming a horizontal circle; palms forward; then add Discussion.

Council (2). Exactly like Across, but repeated two or three times. This is a recent sign among the Cheyennes, but is becoming popular. See Across and Law.

Fr. le conseil; Ger. die Ratsversammlung.

Counsel or Advice. See Advice.

Counting. See Numbers.

Count coup or Make a hit or a Strike (Striking a dead body with the coup stick). Strike the top joint of the right G index on the middle of the left G index, as the right is swung from below up. Grand Coup sign Coup and Great.

Fr. le coup; Ger. der Treffschusz.

Country. See Land.

Coup. See Count coup.

Courting (Driving or rounding up in secret). Thrust the right L hand back nearly up under flat left, held Sweetheart and Glitter.

Fr. faire la cour; Ger. das Cour machen, das Hof machen.

Coward. See Fear.

Coyote. Sign Wolf and Small.

Fr. le coyote, le loup des prairies; Ger. der Präriewolf.

Crab. Place base of wrist of right hand, palm down, on some flat surface, thumb and little finger extended and curved (others closed) to represent claws. Then move the hand sidewise backward, waving the claws. (Scott.) Compare Spider.

Fr. le crabe; Ger. die Krabbe.

Crave. See Want.

Crayfish. Hold out the V hand level; draw it back, opening and shutting the V. Compare Dog.

Fr. l’écrevisse; Ger. der Krebs.

Crazy, Foolish, Mad, Demented (Brain in a whirl). Raise compressed right hand, all fingers together, tap the forehead with it and make one or two quick circles with finger tips in the air. (Sheeaka.) Tap the forehead, shake the head and point to the person. (Pop.)

Crazy. Swing the 5 hand in horizontal circles near the forehead, going with the sun. Going the reverse way always raises a laugh among Cheyennes; it both intensifies and makes the idea ridiculous.

Fr. fou; Ger. verrückt.

Cree. See Indian.

Creek, Brook, or Rill. Sign Water, then draw right G hand, back up, held low, from opposite left side, past body to right side; finger level, pointing to left and waved sidewise. Compare River, Snake, Crooked, and Wire.

Fr. le ruisseau; Ger. der Bach.

Crime or Sin. Sign Strong, Bad, Work.

Fr. le crime; Ger. das Verbrechen.

Crooked or Wrong. Point the right G forward and slightly down; push it slowly forward in a succession of large, horizontal zigzags, each arched a little.

Cross or Sulky. Rest the forehead low on the left hand. Or sign Heart, Bad.

Fr. maussade; Ger. mürrisch.

Cross (of Christ). Hold right G upright, left G at right angles across last joint of right.

Fr. le crucifix; Ger. das Kruzifix.

Cross. See Across.

Cross the heart. With right index make a little cross over the heart. This means “I give you my word of honor.” (Pop.)

Fr. parole d’honneur!; Ger. auf mein Ehrenwort!

Crow. Sign Bird and Black.

Fr. la corneille; Ger. die Krähe.

Crowded. See Few.

Crow Indian. See Indian.

Crush. See Exterminate.

Cry out. See Yell.

Cry, To weep. With G forefingers near the eyes trace the courses of tears. If excessive, sign Rain from the eyes. (Blackfoot.) Compare Pity.

Fr. pleurer; Ger. weinen.

Cunning, Smart, or Clever. Make the sign for Wolf and add the sign Equal. Compare Consider.

Fr. rusé; Ger. schlau.

Cut. Saw the lower edge of the flat right across the palm or edge of the flat left.

Fr. couper; Ger. schneiden.

Cutting up. See Meat.

Cyclone or Whirlwind. With flat right hand, back to the right and level with the right shoulder, make a spiral upward. A very small one for a little dust whirlwind, and a large violent one for a dangerous cyclone.

Fr. le cyclone; Ger. der Wirbelsturm.

D

Dam. Sign for Stream or River and Hold. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. la digue, l’écluse; Ger. der Damm.

Dance (People jumping together). Bring the flat (or “5”) hands in front of body about height of breast, with fingers pointing nearly up, palms toward each other People.

Dance (Drumming). Hold up one flat hand face high, back to side, thumb raised and up: jerk up and down. (C)

Fr. danser; la danse; Ger. tanzen, der Tanz.

Danger (The Scout or Wolf going ahead and coming back to report danger). Right V hand, back upward, moved directly and slowly forward in front of the right shoulder and then suddenly and quickly drawn back at the same time the body is thrown back a little. (Sheeaka.)

Danger. Sign Look, Little, Afraid (No. 2).

Fr. le danger; Ger. die Gefahr.

Dangerous (Of a man). Sign Strong and Bad.

Fr. dangereux; Ger. gefährlich.

Dare you. See Challenge.

Dark, Unknown, Obscure. Bring the flat hands, back outward, in front of face, right hand nearest face, left a little ahead, hands crossed, tips of fingers about opposite centre of forehead; bring the hands very slightly toward face. Compare Ashamed and Blind.

Fr. obscur; Ger. dunkel.

Daughter. Sign Born and Female.

Fr. la fille; Ger. die Tochter.

Day. See Time.

Daybreak. Sign Little, Sunrise.

Daybreak (A peep through darkness). Hold right flat hand above left flat hand and in same plane; right little finger on left index then raise the right hand a few inches higher. (C)

Fr. l’aube; Ger. der Tagesanbruch.

Dead, Death. Make the sign for Die and Sleep. (C) The Cheyennes use Die.

Fr. mort; Ger. tot.

Deaf (Hearing ground out). Press the palm of extended right hand slightly against right ear, and move the hand in small circle parallel to and close to the ear. Sometimes add Not.

Fr. sourd; Ger. taub.

Debt. See Owe.

Deceive. Sign Give and Lie.

Fr. tromper; Ger. betrügen.

Decide, Determine, Make up one’s mind (Think, then act or settle it). Lower the head and raise right fist to chin; then raise the head and cut down with the little finger edge of the flat right hand. (Sheeaka.)

Decide. This is a sentence rather than a sign. With 4 hand over heart, sign Consider; point slowly in two or three directions for Ways; sign That by vigorously swinging the right G index out, pointing down; then So by raising it slightly up and then down. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. décider; Ger. sich entscheiden.

Decrease, Reduce, or Make smaller. Hold flat right hand, palm down, high above, a little to the side of flat left hand, palm up; move them together in succession of little jerks. Sometimes for emphasis finish by compressing all right fingers to a point in the left palm. Compare Increase and Heap.

Fr. diminuer; Ger. verringern.

Decrepit, Old, or Broken down (Bent with disease or age). Hold up G hand, back to right, higher than shoulder; lower the hand several inches, at same time bend the index. (C)

Decrepit. Hold up the right G, shoulder high, with index bent in a hook; rotate as in Old.

Fr. décrépit; Ger. altersschwach, gebrechlich.

Deed. See Act.

Deep. Hold the left flat hand horizontal, chin high, back up, fingers pointing to right; then drop right arm to full length down with flat right hand palm up, under left, fingers pointing forward.

Fr. profond; Ger. tief.

Deer. Both hands fully spread, palms in and held up to the side of the head to represent the horns of a deer. (Sheeaka.) This is generic for Deer. Compare Elk.

Fr. le cerf; Ger. der Hirsch.

Deer, Mule or Rocky Mountain Blacktail. Sign Deer then set compressed hand at each ear pointing up and forward to indicate the large ears, as in a mule. (Scott.) Compare Bear.

Fr. le cerf mulet; Ger. der langohrige Hirsch.

Deer, Whitetailed or Virginian. Raise the right G hand, pointing up and shoulder high; switch it from nearly horizontal right to nearly horizontal left and back, several times, pausing at the low point each time. Sign Deer if need for clearness.

Fr. le cerf de la Virginie; Ger. der Hirsch aus Virginien.

Defame. See Abuse.

Defend, Protect, Defense, Forbid, or Protection. Sign the same as the first part of Corral, but swing the joined hands to left and right. So also to separate the hands means to Loose or Remove protection. See Hold or Protect.

Fr. défendre; Ger. verteidigen.

Defiance, Defy, Dare, Challenge, or I defy you. Point the T hand toward the person. This is an extremely insulting challenge implying also the extreme of hatred and contempt. See Challenge.

Fr. le défi, défier; Ger. die Herausforderung, trotzen.

Defiance, Insolent. See Mockery.

Delight. See Excite.

Depart. See Go.

Describe, Explain, or Tell about (Tell all about it). Sign Talk and All—that is, swing the curved flat right hand, palm down, and to left, in a horizontal circle in front of the right cheek.

Fr. décrire; Ger. beschreiben.

Desire. See Want.

Destroy. See Exterminate.

Determine. See Decide.

Devil. Sign Medicine, Horns, and Tail. A purely modern sign.

Fr. le diable; Ger. der Teufel.

Dew. Sign Night, Grass, and the Shimmer; i.e., pass curved right 5 hand, palm down, with a tremulous motion just above the grass and add Water. (C)

Fr. la rosée; Ger. der Tau.

Die (To go under; i.e., underground). Hold left hand flat, fingers horizontal, palm to you, breast high, pointing to right. Hold right G hand pointing to left above and within; pass it down, under and up beyond, still pointing to left.

This is capable of modification. Thus passing the right hand under and drawing it back means to be near death but to Recover. To make the sign Little after this means to Faint.

Fr. mourir; Ger. sterben.

Die out. See Melt.

Different or Wrong (Push aside). Hold up the flat right, pointing forward and a little up, back to right. Swing the whole arm a foot to right, forward and upward, without bending the wrist, then back to first pose and repeat; a much-used and very plastic sign. Compare Bad and No.

Fr. différent; Ger. anders.

Difficulty. See Trouble.

Dig. Use flat right hand as a spade.

Fr. creuser; Ger. graben.

Dime. Sign White, Little, Money.

Dinner. Sign Noon or Night, as may be, and Eat.

Fr. le dîner; Ger.das Mittagessen, die Haupmahlzeit.

Direction. Point the G finger forward and down, swing it forward in a curve till it is about horizontal and pointing in the line intended.

Fr. la direction; Ger. die Richtung.

Dirt or Soil. See Earth.

Dirty. Rub the tips of the 1st and 2nd fingers with the tip of the thumb, exactly as in Powder, and add Bad.

Fr. sal; Ger. schmutzig.

Disappear. Hold out the flat left, palm in, then shoot compressed right, points first, over and down; then rub upper edge of left with palm tips of right to mean wiped out.

Disappear. Look around and sign See, Not. Sometimes use Hide.

Fr. disparaître; Ger. verschwinden.

Disbelief. Sign That, True, I think, No.

Fr. l’incrédulité; Ger. der Unglaube.

Disciple. See Learner.

Discouraged. See Sorrow.

Discovery. Found out.

Discussion, Conversation, or Debate (In a general sense). Hold out both flat hands, palms

Discussion or Conversation (Between two). Make the sign for Talk alternately right at left and left at right.

Fr. la conversation; Ger. das Gespräch.

Disgust or Dislike. Push both flat hands forward palms out, fingers up, and turn away head. Or Heart, Tired. (C) Sometimes use Scorn.

Fr. le dégoût; Ger. der Ekel.

Dismount. Sign Horseman, then separate and lower right V hand, points up. If the points of the A hand were down, it would mean “looking on the ground.” See Mount.

Fr. descendre de cheval; Ger. absteigen.

Disobey. Sign Hear, Not. Compare Obey.

Fr. désobéir; Ger. nicht gehorchen.

Distant. See Far.

Distress. See Sorrow.

Fr. la misère; Ger. die Not.

Dissolve. See Melt.

Dive (To plunge into water). Place flat hands palm to palm and make the action of diving.

Fr. plonger; Ger. tauchen.

Dive or Swoop (Like a bird in air). Hold out flat left hand, back outward, bring flat right hand, back out, some inches in rear of and higher than left hand, pointing downward and forward; then shoot the right hand downward and outward, back of hand grazing under the left hand and up beyond. Compare Born.

Fr. s’élancer; Ger. niederschiessen au.

Divorce. Sign Marry, then swing the fingers apart horizontally. This is a legal divorce. When Abandon is used it means leaving one’s mate without legal divorce.

Do. See Work.

Doctor. Sign Chief and Medicine. (C) The Cheyennes omit Chief.

Fr. le médecin, le docteur; Ger. der Arzt.

Doer or The one who does or Man who (of all, that one). Sign Man, then swing right G on the level a foot, and Man and Work, or Man and Knows.

Fr. l’auteur, celui qui fait; Ger. der Täter.

Dog (Drawing lodge poles). With V hand back up in front of body draw the double trail down and backward. Compare Wolf. Seger maintains that the idea here is the dog’s ears point backward as he runs. See Bark.

Fr. le chien; Ger. der Hund.

Dollar. Sign Money and One. This would vary with the country, the sign stands for the unit of currency.

Fr. le dollar; Ger. der Dollar.

Done, Ended, Finished, Complete, Period, or Full Stop (Chopped off). Hold left hand flat, fingers touching, point forward, thumb up and with edge of right similarly held, chop down close past the tips of the fingers.

Also used as an auxiliary past tense, as I done eat.

Done (2) Finish, Quit, Break off. Hold up both fists at level of chin, palms down, middle knuckles of left touching ditto of right; jerk them a foot apart as though breaking a cord; swing them apart, down, along and up. This is also used as a Period at the end of sentence and I have seen it used for Bankrupt. It is a northern sign recently established among the Cheyennes. Compare Fat and Break.

Fr. fini; Ger. fertig.

Don’t Care (I am defiant). Tap chest with tips of right flat hand, then swing the hand briskly and high to right, keeping palm facing the left. (Sheeaka.) Merely shrug the shoulders. (Blackfoot.) The Cheyennes sign Go ahead.

Fr. cela m’est égal; Ger. ich mache mir nichts daraus.

Do not or Don’t. Hold up flat right hand, palm out, and forward at an angle; sharply shake the hand by wrist action back and forward (not sidewise), also sometimes the head. Compare Easy and Rub it out. Sometimes use Stop.

Fr. ne faites pas; Ger. tun Sie das nicht.

Don’t want. See under Want.

Door. Sign Teepee or House, then hold flat left hand, thumb up, and lay flat right across the palm with little finger of the right as the hinge; swing it till it lies flat on left palm. (C) The Cheyennes sign House, then pull and swing an imaginary door.

Fr. la porte; Ger. die Tür.

Doubt, I am doubtful. Very slowly shake the head. (Pop.) Cheyennes and other Indians add—right hand held out palm forward and down, open and shaken; really a slow, slight Question sign. See If.

Fr. le doute, j’en doute; Ger. der Zweifel, ich bezweifle.

Down, Downward, or Below. Point straight down with right G, lowering the same. (Blackfoot.) Some use flat hand for this. Compare Here.

Fr. en bas; Ger. unten.

Down-hearted. See Sorrow.

Dream (See while sleeping). Sign Sleep and See; keeping the eyes closed.

Fr. le rêve; Ger. der Traum.

Dress. Pass the palm of the L hand over the part of the body to be covered. Compare Hat, Moccasin, Robe, etc.

Fr. la robe; Ger. das Kleid.

Drink or Drinking (From a cup). The O hand to the mouth as in drinking. Compare Want.

Drinking in the abstract would be: Draw the hollow hand level to the mouth from slightly above and down past chin, fingers pointing nearly forward. This combines Water and Swallow. See Water. Compare Speech.

Fr. buvant; Ger. trinkend.

Drinking liquor (Half a finger). Hold up right G hand back to you, then lay left G across back to indicate liquor, then add Drink. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. buvant une boisson alcoolique; Ger. Schnaps trinkend.

Drive (Sense of driving a herd, or running off a herd). With L hands horizontal, opposite each other and same height, about an inch between tips of thumbs; move the hands simultaneously in the direction of the drive.

Fr. mener; Ger. treiben.

Driving (A team). Hold both hands, backs out, as though holding reins, thumbs straight, with index of each around its point. See-saw the hands on the same level.

Fr. conduisant; Ger. lenkend, fahrend.

Drouth. Sign, Long time, Rain, No.

Fr. la sécheresse; Ger. die Dürre.

Drown. Sign Water and Die.

Fr. noyer; Ger. ertrinken.

Drum. With G fingers draw a large circle, beginning together well forward, each making half-circle, ending near body; then strike on it several times with right A.

Fr. le tambour; Ger. die Trommel.

Drunk or Drunkard. Sign Crazy, Drink, and Much.

Fr. ivre; Ger. betrunken.

Dry (Of a stream or spring). Sign Stream, Water, All gone.

Fr. sec; Ger. trocken.

Dry. See Thirsty.

Duck. Sign for Bird and make the broad bill with flat hand held under the nose, back up, pointing forward; push it forward a few inches, or else with thumb below and first and second fingers above.

Fr. le canard; Ger. die Ente.

Dull (Of a tool). Sign Cut and Not or Bad. Compare Saw.

Fr. émoussé; Ger. stumpf.

Dull. See Dunce.

Dumb. Press the finger tips of the flat hand on the mouth; add Talk and No.

Fr. muet; Ger. stumm.

Dunce or Dull (Blockhead). Strike forehead with right fist knuckles. (D) A Cheyenne signed it Behind, Book, Know, Not.

Fr. le benêt, l’imbécile; Ger. der Dummkopf.

During. See While.

Dust. Rub tips of right fingers with tip of right thumb, as in Powder; then with flat right hand horizontal, palm down, pat several times toward the earth. (Scott.) See Earth and Land.

If the dust is in the air, pat down with one flat hand, then wave both 5 hands, points up, near the eyes; sometimes blink and draw back to make it more expressive.

Fr. la poussière; Ger. der Staub.

Duty (That, me, sends). Sign for That, Me, and Go (emphatically).

Fr. le devoir; Ger. die Pflicht.

Dwell or Inhabit (Alive and moving about in). Right flat hand, face high, pointing up, twisted slowly from left to right two or three times. Compare Appear, Alive, and Doubt.

Dwell (2) (Sitting, emphatic). One fist above the other in front as though grasping a stake, then with both hands Sit.

Fr. demeurer; Ger. bewohnen, wohnen.

Dwindle. See Decrease.

E

Eagle. The sign for Bird is slowly made, then with the G hand in front of the face, back to right, describe a downward curve from between the eyes to indicate the curved bill of the eagle. This same sign is given for Roman nose, but hold the back of the hand forward.

Fr. l’aigle; Ger. der Adler.

Early. See Soon.

Early evening. Sign Sunset and Little of. (C) The Cheyennes understood this, but preferred to swing the Sun sign down to near, but not quite, level.

Fr. au commencement du soir; Ger. früh am Abend.

Early morning. Sign Little and Daybreak, or Sunrise.

Fr. de bon matin; Ger. frühmorgens.

Ear-rings. Make a ring of each index and thumb and apply to each ear-lobe, backs of hands out, other fingers raised.

Fr. les boucles d’oreilles; Ger. das Ohrgehänge.

Earth, the World (All land). Sign All with both flat hands, palms down, then pat down with both hands twice. Compare Land.

Fr. le monde; Ger. die Erde, die Welt.

Earth, Soil, or Dirt. Point down, then with thumb and finger tips, lift and rub some imaginary soil as in Powder.

Fr. la terre; Ger. die Erde, der Schmutz.

Easy, Softly, or Gently. Hold flat hand at face height, fingers half spread and a little curved, palm forward, leaning toward the person and gently and slightly shake the hand from side to side. (Sioux and Blackfoot.) With slight modification, much used on the railway in shunting. Compare Rub it out, Question, and Do not.

Fr. doucement; Ger. sachte.

Eat or Food. Throw the nearly compressed right hand lightly in a curve past the mouth several times. Compare Water and Drink.

Fr. manger; Ger. essen.

Eaten enough (Full to throat). Sign Eat, then lay L hand on breast, palm in, and raise it to opposite chin. Compare Hang.

Fr. assez mangé; Ger. satt gegessen.

Effect. See Result.

Effort. See Try.

Egg. Sign Bird and Born; then indicate the size of the egg with finger and thumb of one or both hands.

Fr. l’oeuf; Ger. das Ei.

Either, Or. Hold out left V hand, back up; tap each finger in turn with right G. Compare Both.

Fr. l’un ou l’autre, ou ... ou; Ger. entweder ... oder.

Elk or Wapiti. Hold the hands above the head at arm’s length on each side, thumb and first two fingers of each spread, others closed; jerk them forward two or three times for three or four inches. Compare Deer, Moose, and Caribou.

Fr. le cerf du Canada; Ger. das Elentier.

Empty, Absent, Gone, or Out of. Place the right 5 hand, points up, in the left C hand, which is back, forward, and down; drop the right hand down out of the left, closing left to O. Compare All gone.

Fr. vide; Ger. leer.

Encamp. See Camp.

Encircle. See Surround.

Enclosure. Hold out both 5 hands level, palm to palm, finger tips touching; swing them apart in a horizontal circle; draw them back; end with fingers wide apart and heels touching. A much-used sign. See Corral.

Fr. l’enclos; Ger. die Einzäunung.

End. See Done.

Endure, Suffer, or Stand it (Suffering, but strong and erect). Hold flat curved right hand close in front of breast, breathe heavily, swinging the hand near and from; then raise the right A hand in a curve out and up, about head high. (Sheeaka.) Understood, but not used by Cheyennes.

Fr. supporter; Ger. aushalten, leiden.

Enemy. Sign Shake hands and Not. Sometimes use Hate.

Fr. l’ennemi; Ger. der Feind.

Engaged or Betrothed (Ring-bound). Sign Prisoner, then with right index indicate a ring on ring finger of left hand. (D)

Engaged. Sign Bye and bye, Marry. See Courting.

Fr. fiancé; Ger. verlobt.

Engagement (i.e., Business). Swing the flat hands, palms up, up and down for six or eight inches, as in Road, but not progressing. Or, sign Road and Meet.

Fr. l’engagement, l’obligation; Ger. die Verabredung.

Enlist. Sign Work and Soldier.

Fr. enrôler; Ger. sich anwerben lassen.

Enough or Full in general sense (Levelling off a full measure). Hold out left O hand, back to left, and across the top from right to left pass the flat palm of the open right hand. Sometimes add Strong, to mean Plenty. See Eaten enough.

Fr. assez; Ger. genug.

Enter or Come into. Hold out hollow left, back up, and pass compressed right hand under and beyond.

Fr. entrer; Ger. eintreten.

Equal, Even, Same, Too, Also (Even race). Hold G hands in front of breast, side by side, backs up, pointing to front, about two inches apart; push them forward together and a little up in a sweep. A much-used sign. Compare Race, Parallel, Marry, and Mate.

Fr. égal, le même; Ger. gleich, egal, genau so.

Erase or Annul. Sign Wrong and Wipe out. See Rub it out.

Fr. effacer; Ger. auslöschen, ausstreichen.

Escape. See Free.

Even or Same. See Equal.

Evening. Sign Night and Little of. (C) See Early evening.

Fr. le soir; Ger. der Abend.

Ever. See Always.

Evil or Sin. Sign Work and Bad.

Evil Eye. Close all fingers of right hand, except index and little finger; to point these at any one means “You have the Evil Eye.” In Italy this is an insult. (Pop.) In France it means “Shame on you,” or “I put you to shame.” (Pop.)

Fr. la main à corne; Ger. das Hexenauge.

Except or Unless. See But.

Excessive, Too much, Unjust, Too (Extremely, piled up). With right palm down, make a succession of curves, marking stages each higher than the last, beginning very low; then finish by swinging both hands, palm down, away up and forward. (Sheeaka.) Or sign Heap. Sometimes use Enough.

Fr. excessif, trop; Ger. übermässig, zu viel.

Exchange. See Trade.

Excite, Agitate (Heart flutters). Sign Heart, then hold the 5 hand near the heart, back to right, pointing upward; raise it a foot shaking the fingers. The Blackfeet use this for Glad, and in most cases among the Cheyennes it implies pleasant excitement.

Fr. exciter; Ger. aufregen.

Excuse. See Wipe out.

Exist. See Be.

Expect. See Hope.

Explain. See Describe.

Exterminate, Annihilate, Crush, Destroy, etc. (Crushed and wiped out). Drop flat right on flat left, palm to palm, grind them together, then brush the right over the left tips, to front and beyond. Compare Wipe out.

Fr. exterminer; Ger. vernichten.

F

Face. Sweep the flat right hand, palm in, across the face and down. This is sometimes used for Person.

Fr. la figure; Ger. das Gesicht.

Fade. See Melt.

Faint. Signs for Die and Recover.

Fr. s’évanouir, faible, épuisé; Ger. ohnmächtig werden, schwach.

Fall or Tumble. The right flat hand in front of breast, back up, swept briskly out, forward up and down, to rest palm up. Compare Another and Lie Down.

Fr. tomber; Ger. hinfallen.

Fall. See Autumn.

Fall (Of water). Sign River or Creek, then hold out flat left, back out, and push flat right over it, bending right fingers over far edge, making them tremble.

Fr. la cataracte; Ger. der Wasserfall.

Fail, that is, to lack success. See Cannot.

Fail (In business). Sign Work, Backward. (Blackfoot.) The Backward is indicated by holding the flat left well forward, drawing the flat right back in jumps.

Fr. faire faillite; Ger. bankerott werden.

False. See Lie.

Fame. See Glory.

Famous (Standing on a hill). Sign Hill, then over that hold right G, palm forward, index just above left thumb. Or, sign Chief and Brave.

Fr. fameux, célèbre; Ger. berühmt.

Far object, Distant or Far forward, Over there. Move the G hand forward and upward in a long slow arch, finishing at arm’s length with down curve.

Far (In general). Flat right hand curved, pointing to left, back forward, pushed out and up at arm’s length. Compare Close.

Fr. loin; Ger. entfernt.

Farm. Sign Land and Planting.

Fr. la ferme; Ger. der Pachthof.

Farmer. Sign Corn and Chief.

Fr. le fermier; Ger. der Ackerbauer.

Fast, Quick, Rapid, or Swift (Pass by). Hold out the flat left hand, back to left. Bring the flat right hand, back to right, several inches in rear of and slightly to right of left, pointing to front and downward; carry right hand swiftly past left and close to it, and as it passes, by wrist action, raise the hand so that fingers will point upward and in front, making a curve; at the same time, draw back the left a little.

Fr. rapide, vite; Ger. schnell.

Fat (Shape of a fat animal’s hips). Hold the fists out side by side, thumb to thumb, then swing them apart in two curves, up, out, down, and a little forward. Compare Done and Break.

Fr. gras; Ger. fett.

Fat or Grease. See Oil.

Father (Nurse, male). With compressed right hand, pluck at the right breast two or three times, as though drawing out milk. Sometimes add Male. Compare Mother.

Fr. le père; Ger. der Vater.

Father-in-law. Sign Brother-in-law, Old, and Man.

Fault-finding (Striking, knocking). With flat right hand, arm at full length, make a succession of short chops down. This is fault-finding with another. For “fault-finding with me” chop toward the breast. (Sheeaka.) See Abuse, Chop, and By itself. The Cheyennes use You, All time, Scold.

Fr. blâmer, censurer; Ger. das Tadeln.

Fear, Cowardice, Coward. The head stooped down and the right arm thrown up, palm out, as though to ward off danger. (Sheeaka.) The Cheyennes understand, but prefer Woman, Heart. See Afraid.

Fr. la peur; Ger. die Furcht.

Feather (Small). Pluck an imaginary feather from left arm with index finger and thumb of right hand and blow it away from the mouth with one puff, at same time opening the finger and thumb to let it go.

Feather, i.e., Quill Feather. Sign Wing, then make as though pulling out and holding up One feather.

Fr. la plume; Ger. die Feder.

Feel (That is, heart feels). Place the tip of the middle finger, others extended and lifted, against the heart; then draw it up a little way. (D)

Fr. sentir; Ger. empfinden.

Feel or Touch (to touch). The hand as above, but pushed forward and moved a little from side to side. (Sheeaka.) See Hot.

Feel or Touch. Hold out left flat hand, back up; press tip of right flat hand on it at various places. Compare At.

Fr. toucher; Ger. tasten, berühren.

Female or Woman. Draw the flat right hand, palm in close to the side of the head, finger tips about on line with the top of head; lower the hand, at the same time curving fingers as though combing with them the hair over ears and cheeks; finish with a snap at line of shoulders. Comb. For White woman indicate an immense hat. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. la femme; Ger. das Weib.

Fetch. See Bring.

Few. See Small.

Fight or War. Hold loosely clenched A hands well out in front of body, thumbs toward body, about height of shoulders and about three inches apart; bring right hand in toward body few inches, at same time move left out about same distance; then carry right out and bring left in, repeating these two or three times, making them by wrist and elbow action. This is a fight of many; for a fight of two, use the G fingers same way. In old days, according to Father Isadore, the signal for Battle was a handful of dust thrown in the air. The gesture of doing this came to mean Fight.

Fr. le combat, la guerre; Ger. der Streit, der Krieg.

Find. Sign Look around here and there, then shoot out the V hand and pick up an imaginary something with finger and thumb. Compare Choose and Hunt.

Fr. trouver; Ger. finden.

Fingers crossed, To claim Sanctuary. Also called Bar up, King’s X, King’s Cross, Pax, Truce, Fins, Fines, etc. Hold up right hand with first and second fingers crossed. This means “I claim privilege, what I do now is outside the game.” (Universal in our schools and probably very ancient.)

Fr. être exempt; Ger. die Immunität, verschont sein.

Finish. Hold out flat left, palm up; rub flat right on it, palm down, making two sunwise circles. Also use Done.

Fire (Blaze, flaring up with smoke). Hold the right hand down and forward at arm’s length, back in front of the body; fingers hooked so the tip of thumb is over the nails of first three fingers and holds them down; raise the hand six inches and spring the fingers upward, free, separate, and straight. Do this twice. Compare Aurora.

Fr. le feu; Ger. das Feuer.

Fire, Spark of. Hold up right thumb and index as though holding something and blow it steadily; add Fire if needed for clearness. Compare Feather (small).

Fr. l’étincelle; Ger. der Funke.

Fire, Set it afire. Make the motion of striking a match on the side of the thigh and thrusting it forward.

Fr. allumer; Ger. anzünden.

Fire off, Shoot, or Gun-Fire (Blaze shooting forward). Right hand in front of right shoulder; throw palm forward six inches and at same time straighten and spread all fingers with a jerk. Some add a hand clap or many for Volley firing.

Fr. décharger, faire feu sur, tirer; Ger. schiessen, abfeuern.

First (Of all, number one). Hold up left 5 hand, palm to right; push it forward, then tap the little finger with the right G. (Sheeaka. A Sioux sign, but understood by Cheyennes.) Compare Last and Guide.

First. Sign Ahead.

Fr. le premier; Ger. der Erste.

Fish. Make sign for Water; then hold flat right hand, back to right, in front of right shoulder, elbow high; and move the hand sinuously forward. Often omit Water. Compare Snake.

Fr. le poisson; Ger. der Fisch.

Fisher or Pekan. Sign Marten and Big (suggested, not established).

Fr. le pékan; Ger. der kanadische Marder.

Fix. Lay low edge of flat right hand on upper edge of flat left near thumb base. Push right forward and down, turning left back up. (C) Or, sign Work and All right. Compare Mend, Council, and Law.

Fr. ajuster, arranger; Ger. herrichten, in Ordnung machen.

Fix, In a Fix. See Quandary.

Flag. Hold flat right well out, back to right. Lay left G on wrist of right. Wave right sidewise.

Fr. le drapeau; Ger. die Flagge.

Flat. See Prairie.

Flesh. See Meat.

Float. Flat left hand, back up; place flat right on it, palm down, and move both to right as on waves. (C) Understood by Cheyennes.

Fr. flotter; Ger. oben auf schwimmen, auf dem Wasser treiben.

Flood. Indicate source of Water, then hold up both flat hands, backs up, side by side, waist high; raise them neck high and sign Charge. Omit Charge unless needed.

Fr. l’inondation; Ger. die Flut.

Flour. Sign Bread and Powder.

Fr. la farine; Ger. das Mehl.

Flower, Bloom, or Blossom. Sign Grass, but higher; then clasp right index and thumb over left ditto, others closed; then turn the hands so the little fingers touch and the thumbs point up. (C)

Flower. Sign Grow; hold both compressed hands together in front, pointing up, backs out; spring them out into 5 hands, forming a circle pointing up.

Fly (The insect). Sign Bird, Small; then point here and there on the arm anywhere. Sometimes omit Small.

Fr. la mouche; Ger. die Fliege.

Fly (To). With flat hands held near shoulders simulate wings, beating exactly as in Bird, but move the hands forward a foot or more horizontally. Compare Bird.

Fr. voler; Ger. fliegen.

Fog (Water, peep through). Sign Water and hold the 5 hands, fingers crossed, in front of the eyes. (C) The Cheyennes understand this, but prefer the next:

Fog (Mud in the sky). Sign Turtle, then raise both 5 hands, palms forward, from the horizon up high; then spread them out. This expresses “turtles in the sky”;

Fr. le brouillard; Ger. der Nebel.

Follow or Chase. Left G hand pointing nearly up, moved ahead and variously pursued six inches behind by right G hand. Sheeaka used his thumbs for this.

Fr. suivre; Ger. folgen, nachlaufen.

Fond, Fondness, Love, Affection, Regard, etc. (Pressed to the heart). Cross wrists of A hands, backs out, over the heart, right nearest body, few inches from it; draw both against the body and bend the head over them. With one hand it is Like; with two hands, Love. (Blackfoot.) Compare Blanket.

Fr. affectueux; Ger. zärtlich, liebevoll.

Food. See Eat.

Fool, Do you take me for a. With the right G index, draw down the lower eyelid a little; as though to say, “Can you see any green there?” (Pop.)

Fr. le sot, me croyez vous bête? Ger. der Narr, denken Sie ich bin dumm?

Foolish. See Crazy.

Foolish or Unwise. Sign Crazy and Little of.

Fr. imbécile; Ger. närrisch.

Football signs. See page 233.

Footprints (Visible walk). Sign for Walk and for See with the fingers pointed down. This is Human tracks; for Horse tracks, sign Walk with the index and thumb of each hand in a three-quarter circle, other fingers closed, and then add See as here.

Fr. les empreintes des pieds; Ger. die Fusztapfen.

Footrace. Sign Walk quickly, and Race.

Fr. la course à pied; Ger. der Wettlauf.

For (Giving to). Throw the flat right hand forward and palm down, slowly toward the object. Compare Stop, Give, and Wait.

For. Sometimes use Belongs. Hold out the two G hands nearly back up, a foot apart; swing them together till the G tips are about two inches apart. (Sheeaka.)

For. Lightly close the right as though it held some object, push it forward and upward, back to right. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. pour; Ger. für.

Forbid. See Defend.

Forest, Timber, or Woods. Hold both forearms upright, with all the fingers much spread, meaning Trees, the right hand nearest the body, its back against the palm of left; then separate them, drawing right hand toward the body, moving the left away and upward in a curve. See Tree.

Fr. la forêt; Ger. der Wald.

Forever. See Always.

Forgive. See Excuse.

Forget or Forgot (Swept from my brain). Touch the forehead with the right N finger. Shake the head and motion as though to brush away an imaginary fly from near the nose. (Sheeaka and Pop.) See Remember not.

Forget or Forgot. Clap right hand down on left (for surprise); lay right G, palm forward, on forehead, and add Hid.

Fr. oublier; Ger. vergessen.

Forward (In space). See Ahead.

Forward (In time). See Future.

Found it. Sign I Saw, then reach forward and with index and thumb pick up an imaginary object. Compare Choose.

Found it. At a distance, hold both hands high above the head, fingers closed, thumbs pointing toward each other. (Pop.)

Fr. je l’ai trouvé; Ger. ich habe es gefunden.

Found out, i.e., You are found out. Point forefinger at the person. (Sheeaka.) Or sign You, I, Understand.

Fr. démasqué; Ger. ertappt.

Four-foot. See Animal.

Fox. Indicate the size of animal and bushy tail.

Fr. le renard; Ger. der Fuchs.

Free, Escape, Safe, Save, Relief, Permit, Turn loose (Unbinding). S hands crossed at wrists. With an effort, break the imaginary bonds and throw the hands apart, turning palm sides up. Sometimes add Go. See Pardon.

Free, Wild, or Free of Incumbrance (Cut loose). Hold flat right hand in front of breast, fingers forward, back down; move by wrist action sharply to left a few inches; then jerk back to place two or three times as though cutting something loose. Compare Chop and Wild Animal.