chirology
(kaɪˈrɒlədʒɪ)
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 Deaf and Dumb Man's Tutor 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 chiroˈlogical a., chiroˈlogically adv.
| 1834–47 Southey Doctor (1848) 528 Cheirologically speaking. |