v. colloq. or techn. [Reduplicated formation combining WIG v.1 and WAG v., the vowel-change symbolizing the alternation of movement: cf. wiggle-waggle, zig-zag.] To move lightly to and fro, to wag; esp. to wave a flag or other object to and fro in signalling; to signal in this way (intr., or trans. with the flag, etc., or the signal as obj.). Also as adv. = with a to-and-fro movement. So Wig-wag sb., (a) an act of ‘wig-wagging’; also attrib. (in quot. 1582 expressing a tortuous or writhing movement); (b) in Watch-making, a polishing instrument to which a reciprocating motion is imparted by a crank attached to a wheel of the lathe. Hence Wig-wagger, one who ‘wig-wags’; Wig-waggy a., characterized by ‘wig-wagging,’ or by a form suggestive of this; tortuous, winding.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 50. His midil embracing with wig wag circuled hooping.
1846. Congress. Globe, 16 Jan., 208/1. Wig-wag went her tail.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., Wigwag (Watch-making), a rubbing instrument … driven by the lathe.
1884. Britten, Watch & Clockm., 203. Where pinions are made in large quantities the polisher is actuated by a ‘Wig Wag.’
1886. Sci. Amer., 9 Jan., 16/2. In the army wig-wag system, a flag moved to right and left [etc.].
1892. Moses P. Handy, in Lippincott’s Mag., Dec., 764. I requested Lieutenant Marix to ‘wigwag a signal’ to Captain Whiting.
1893. C. King, Foes in Ambush, 10. It’s ten minutes since I got the last wig-wag of the signal-flag at the pass.
1899. R. H. Davis, Cuban & Porto Rican Campaigns, 3. Wig-waggers beat the air from the bridges.
1903. A. Adams, Log Cowboy, xx. 313. Some one in the lead wig-wagged his lantern.
1914. H. Ch. de Crespigny, in Blackw. Mag., July, 96/2. By Jove, it’s getting late and the path is beastly wig-waggy.
