beckon

views updated May 18 2018

beck·on / ˈbekən/ • v. [intr.] make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow: Miranda beckoned to Adam. ∎  [tr.] attract the attention of and summon (someone) in this way: he beckoned Christopher over. ∎ fig. seem to be appealing or inviting: the going is tough, and soft options beckon.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

beckon

views updated May 23 2018

beckon make a mute signal (to). OE. bēcnan, *bīecnan = OS. bōknian. OHG. bouhnen :- WGmc. *bauknjan, f. *baukna BEACON.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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