Page:The-sign-language-a-manual-of-signs-2nd-ed.djvu/73

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A MANUAL OF SIGNS
57

hand down and under the other, then up on the other side, at the same time changing the other hand in the opposite direction so that the hands change relative positions. IX, 204.

Use, Useful.—Hold the left open hand out, palm up, but hand slanting 45 degrees; place the palm of the right open hand against the lower edge of left, so that the fingers touch the back of it; bring the right hand around and let palms touch palms, but do not move left hand; repeat several times. IX, 205.

Try, Effort put forth.—Hold "A" hands out in front; push them both forward with an apparent effort.

Act, Conduct, Deed.—Place bent hands in front from the side, fingers bent and pointing down; move them apart and then toward each other quite actively and give them a shaking motion. Some move hands in same direction all the time from side to side. This is more particularly mere conduct, while the former indicates activity.

Mix, Mingle in confused mass, Confusion.—Bend the fingers of "5" hands into claws, and hold them, one above the other, fingers toward each other, and turn them in a circular motion, but in opposite directions, mixing the fingers. IX, 206.

Revenge, Retaliate, Pay one back.—With thumb and forefingers in pinching position, throw them together so the fingers (closed) strike at the same time the thumbs and forefingers touch. IX, 207. Or,

(2) More specifically Retaliation, or to make return.—Hold the "O" hands one behind the other, the fingers of the "O" up; change their relative positions by drawing one down, under and up beyond the other. The sign is frequently made in the air by right hand alone, merely throwing it down with a jerk.

Complete, Finish, Bring an end to anything.—Place right "B" hand with lower edge at right angles across the top edge of left "B" near the wrist; push it along the edge of the hand till it reaches the end, then "chop" it off. I, 9.

Beat, Defeat, Win over.—Hold out left "A" hand, thumb pointing up; holding the other hand in similar position somewhat back, bring it forward against the other and push them both over, indicating the one had overcome the other. X, 208.