Also cheir-. [a. F. chirologie, f. Gr. χειρο- hand + -λογία discourse.]
† 1. The art of speaking by signs made with the hands or fingers. Obs.
[1644. Bulwer (title), Chirologia: or the natvrall Langvage of the Hand.]
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Chirology, a talking or speaking with the hand, or by signs made with the hand.
1680. Dalgarno, Didascalocophus, Introd. (T.). Cheirology … is Interpretation by the transient motions of the Fingers.
a. 1693. Urquhart, Rabelais, III. xix. Such a fine Gesticulator, and in the Practice of Chirology an Artist so compleat … that with his very Fingers he doth speak.
2. The study of the hand: see CHIROLOGIST.
Hence Chirological a., Chirologically adv.
1834–47. Southey, Doctor (1848), 528. Cheirologically speaking.
