BBabyBaby.Swing the flat right hand (sometimes S hand) in the hollow of the left arm as though it were a baby. Add signs for sex and size when needed. CompareTomahawk.Fr.le bébé; Ger.das Kindchen,der Säugling.Bachelor.SignMan,Marriage,No. (C)Fr.le célibataire; Ger.der Junggeselle.BackorAgain. SeeRepeat.BackBack,Backward,Ago, orPast(In time or space). Throw right 5 hand thumb first back over right shoulder once or twice. SeeAgo.Fr.en arrière; Ger.hinten,zurück.BackbiteBackbite.Lay the right V hand on the mouth, as inLie, then lay it on the back of the right shoulder. (Blackfoot.)Backbite.SignScold,Talk, andHide.Fr.médire de; Ger.verleumden.BaconBaconBacon(Meat and thin). Hold out the flat left hand, thumb edge up; with thumb and finger tips of right back down, rub little finger of left. Hadley gives this with the right hand over. It makes a better sign, but I never saw it used that way. CompareMeatandThinandOil.Fr.le lard; Ger.der Speck.BadBadorEvil(Suddenly thrown away). Hold clenched fist, back up, near breast; throw it forward, down, and aside, opening the hand. Sometimes for emphasis both hands are used. CompareAbandon,Charge, andHate.Fr.mauvais; Ger.schlecht.BadgerBadger(Walks under ground). SignHole,Enter, andWalk. The Blackfeet sign isStriped-facewith size and pawing indicated.Fr.le blaireau; Ger.der Dachs.Bad Taste.SeeTaste Bad.BagBag.Left C hand, back out; drop compressed right into this; then sometimes indicate thickness with flat hands pointing straight up.Fr.le sac; Ger.der Sack.Bald.Lay the flat right hand on the forehead, draw it up and back to the top of the head. Touch the hair and signWiped-out. (Blackfoot.)Fr.chauve; Ger.kahlköpfig.BandBandorPatrol(Banded together). Hold the compressed left hand pointing up; encircle it with the right forefinger and thumb. (Chasing Bear.) Not a true Indian sign and not used, but would understand it. (Seger.) Sometimes useBunchorFew. SeeTribeorTroop.Fr.la bande,la patrouille; Ger.die Schar,die Truppe.Bankrupt.SeeDone.BarorSaloon(House of drink). SignCrazy,Drink,House.Fr.le cabaret,la buvette; Ger.die Bierstube,die Kneipe.Bark(Like a dog). SignTalk, but use index and middle finger against thumb.Fr.aboyer; Ger.bellen.Barracks.SignWhite,Soldier,House.Fr.la caserne; Ger.die Kaserne.Barren.SignBornandAll gone.Fr.stérile; Ger.unfruchtbar.Bar up.SeeFins.Baseball signs.These, of course, are not Indian; they differ locally, but the three following are used by most umpires:A strike.The sign “Yes.”Out.The Same as the “No” sign (as tho striking something to one side with the back of hand).Safe.Hand raised as in “Easy.”Bashful.SeeAshamed.BasinBasinorHollow(A spread out circle). Hold the L hands low in front, backs up, forming an incomplete horizontal circle, not touching, the index fingers nearer each other than thumbs; swing the hands apart by wrist action so the index fingers point nearly forward.Fr.le bassin; Ger.die Vertiefung,die Grube.BasketBasket.SignKettle, then interlock fingers as inHouse of logs, to show structure. The Cheyennes understand this, though usually they signKettleandSew.BasketBasket.Lock the fingers of the hollowed hands, backs down, join the thumbs as for a handle, then with the right hand grasp left thumb and raise the hand a few inches. (Sioux.) CompareCorral.Fr.le panier; Ger.der Korb.BatBat.SignNightand zigzag flight; i.e., flat hands side by side, breast high, flapped first to right side next to left. (C)Fr.la chauve-souris; Ger.die Fledermaus.Battle, Combat.SignFight, after which makeShootwith each hand toward the other. (C) CompareFightandKill.Fr.la bataille,le combat; Ger.die Schlacht.Battle-cryorWar-cry.Open the mouth as in saying “O” and pat it with flattened fingers of right hand. (C) The Cheyennes useYell.Fr.le cri de bataille; Ger.der Schlachtruf.BayBay.SignWater, then bring right L hand well out in front of body, forming a horizontal half-circle. (C)Fr.la baie; Ger.die Bucht.BayonetBayonet.SignGun, then lay left G index alongside right G, the latter one-third ahead. If there is doubt, indicate drawing it on the barrel tip.Fr.la baïonnette; Ger.das Bajonett.Be, to be or existBe, to be or exist(Living). SignAliveand then finish withNoworPastto indicate tense, andManyto indicate plural. Sometimes useDwellorRecoverfor this idea. CompareAlone.Fr.étre; Ger.existieren,sein.BeadsBeads.Hold out the flat right, slightly hollow; drop it a little with a sidewise quivering to suggest the shimmering of a handful of beads. (C)Beads.Simulate holding beads between the left index and thumb, while threading them with a needle in the right. ForBeadworkadd a design or sign forWork.Fr.les perles; Ger.die Perlen.BeansBeans(One picked out of a handful). Right hand flat, palm up, index and thumb joined with the tip of index projecting. (Chasing Bear. Understood by Cheyennes.)Fr.les haricots; Ger.die Bohnen.BearBear.Hold out the Y hands, backs up, and strike both down; push both forward in a series of jerks, or swing down, forward and up.BearBear.Hold up flat fists near ears, palms forward, to indicate round ears. (Blackfoot.) Some indicate the paws by holding up both curved 5 hands.Fr.l’ours; Ger.der Bär.Bear, Grizzly.As above, but indicate the gray color.Fr.l’ours gris; Ger.der graue Bär.BeardBeard.Hang the compressed right hand, point down, under chin. The hand or hands are differently placed for different cuts of whiskers.Fr.la barbe; Ger.der Bart.Beat, orOvercome. UseKill.Beautiful,Handsome, orPretty. Hold up flat right hand, and look on the palm as in a mirror, then make the signGood.BeautifulBeautiful.Draw the flat hand down near the face, back forward, and signGood.Fr.beau; Ger.schön.BeaverBeaver(Tail of beaver striking mud or water). Hold left flat hand in front of body, left arm horizontal; strike up against the left palm once or twice with back of right flat hand.Fr.le castor; Ger.der Biber.BecauseBecause.SignConsider, thenBehold. Understood by Cheyennes and Blackfeet, though not well established.Fr.parce que; Ger.weil.BecomeorTurn into. SignGrowandSameorArrive there.Fr.devenir; Ger.werden.Bed(Spreading blanket for sleep). Hold flat hands palms up, points forward, one behind the other, left ahead, push it forward, at same time draw back right, then addSleep.Fr.le lit; Ger.das Bett.Bee.SignFly,Arrow, andOne. (C) In Cheyenne, signSmall,Bird,Make,Taste.Fr.l’abeille; Ger.die Biene.Before.SeeAhead.Before, that is,Future. Sign forTime, but hold left hand near breast and swing right forward, up and over. Or signAfter,Many Sleeps.Fr.avant; Ger.ehe.Beg(To ask alms). Hold out the flat right hand, palm up, as a beggar does. Swing it forward and upward, then draw it toward self, slightly curving the fingers.Fr.mendier; Ger.betteln.Beg,I beg of you,Ask,I pray you. Lay the flat hands together, palms touching, fingers pointing up (or clasp them) and hold them toward the person. A white sign now understood by the Indians. ComparePray.Fr.supplier; Ger.bitten.BeginBegin,Commence,Must,Push,Try,Go ahead(Start in a race). With elbow at sides and arms level, push fists forward two or three inches, right a little behind. Or useGo. SeeStrong.Fr.commencer; Ger.anfangen,beginnen.Behavior.SeeWay.Behind.SeeAfter.BeholdBehold.Hold out flat right, palm up, pointing forward and moved slowly down to below level. Sometimes use both hands. CompareShow.Fr.regardez!; Ger.siehe da!Believe.SignThink,Straight.Fr.croire; Ger.glauben.Belonging to.SeePossession.Below,Beneath, orUnder. Is the reverse ofAbove; which see.Fr.dessous,sous; Ger.unter.Belt.With both hands, make as though putting on a belt.Fr.la ceinture; Ger.der Gürtel.Beneath.SeeBelow.BendBendorBent. Take left index in right finger and thumb and bend the middle joint of it at right angles. Or signBreakvery slowly.Fr.plier; Ger.biegen.BerryBerry.With right middle finger and thumb hold tip of right index, letting it project a little; addBushes. Or, signTree,Pick, andEat. This is a descriptive phrase rather than an established sign, but it is a good illustration of impromptu constructions which are continually made and are at once understood because in harmony with the main principles of Sign Talk. CompareFruit,Cherry, andBullet.Fr.la baie; Ger.die Beere.BesideBesideorBy(By the side of). LikeWith, but right G about three inches off left palm. Sometimes useClose.Fr.à côté de,près de; Ger.neben.BetBetorWager(Placing on each of two piles). Indicate the event, asRace, then signPlace; that is, hold out partly compressed hands backs up; swing both forward up and down nearlytogetherat finish.Fr.le pari; Ger.die Wette.BetweenBetween.Hold up the flat hands, palm to palm, six inches apart; then thrust the right G on line close past left palm.BetweenBetween.Hold left V hand, fingers level, pointing to right (or straight up) and drop right G down between.Fr.entre; Ger.zwischen.Beware,Caution, orLook out. SeeWarning.BeyondBeyondorOther side. Hold the flat left hand, back up, in front of body about ten inches, fingers pointing to right; bring flat right hand, back up, between left and body at same height, fingers pointing to left; swing the right hand upward, outward, and then downward on curve, beyond left hand, turning right hand back down in movement. CompareFallandOther.Fr.au-delà de; Ger.jenseits.Bible.SignBookandMedicine.Fr.la Bible; Ger.die Bibel.BigBig.Hold the curved 5 hands with palms toward each other, well out in front of the body, hands a little lower than shoulders and a few inches apart, pointing forward; separate hands, carrying right to right, left to left, keeping them opposite each other. Also used forLong. CompareGreatandLong.Fr.grand,gros; Ger.grosz.Bighorn.SeeSheep.BirdBird.With flat hands at the shoulders, palms down, imitate the motion of wings. Using different speeds for different birds. CompareFly, which progresses.Fr.l’oiseau; Ger.der Vogel.Birth.SeeBorn.Bison.SeeBuffalo.BitBit(Of a bridle). Place the L hand palm down on the mouth.Fr.le frein; Ger.das Gebisz.BiteBite.Bring the right C hand, back outward and upward, a little in front of the body; snap sharply together the tips of the first and second fingers and the tip of thumb against the back of the left flat hand, repeating the motion. Some omit left hand. The Blackfeet make this from the mouth.Fr.mordre; Ger.beiszen.BitterBitterorSour. Touch tongue with tip of right G and addBad. CompareSalt,Sugar,Taste,Taste bad.Fr.amer; Ger.bitter.Black.SeeColor.Blackfoot.SeeIndian.BlackguardingBlackguardingorReviling(Lies from both). Hold up right V, pointing nearly level forward, opposite right shoulder; left ditto at left shoulder; swing them alternately at each other.Fr.outrager,insulter; Ger.jemanden beschimpfen.BlanketBlanketorRobe(Wrapping about shoulder). Bring the A hands palms toward each other, opposite and above each shouldernear the neck; move the right hand to left and left to right till the wrists are crossed, right hand nearest body. CompareFond.Fr.la couverture; Ger.die Decke.Bless youBless you(Drawing from above and spreading out). Hold the flat hands high up in front, palms forward, apart, at arm’s length. Lower them a little and slightly push toward the person meant. (C)Fr.que Dieu vous bénisse; Ger.Gott segne dich!Blessing the food.Hold both 5 hands over the food, then addTalkupward.BlindBlind.Bring both flat hands, backs outward, in front of and close to eyes, right hand nearest and both hands parallel to face; move right hand slightly to left, left to right; then place the tips of the fingers against closed eyes. (C)Fr.aveugle; Ger.blind.BloodBlood(A wounded buffalo bleeds at the nostrils). Raise the right V hand so the tips of the fingers are pressed one against each nostril; move the hand to the right and downward, giving it a tremulous motion. AddRed. Some omitRed.Fr.le sang; Ger.das Blut.BloomorBlossom. SeeFlower.Bluff.SeeHill.BoatBoat.Bring the hands together hollowed, fingers straight, little fingers joining, the thumbs somewhat apart, to represent the body of a boat, held before the breast. Push it forward to indicate movement. Add the motion of paddling forCanoe, orRowingfor bigger boat. Usually theBoatsign is omitted;PaddlingorRowingbeing enough by itself. CompareBowl.Fr.le bateau; Ger.der Kahn.Boil.SeeCook.Fr.bouillir; Ger.kochen.BoneBone.Hold up the left hand, palm down, wrist a little bent; with right G tap the wrist bone on outer side of left; then addHard.Fr.l’os; Ger.der Knochen.BonnetBonnet, that is,Warbonnet. Sweep 5 hands along near each side of head from front to back. Sometimes also sweep right 5 hand down behind for theTail.Fr.le bonnet de guerre; Ger.die Federkappe.BookBook.Open and close the flat hands like cover of a book, then indicate the lines of writing. Sometimes show the thickness to distinguish it fromLetter. CompareOpenandShut.Fr.le livre; Ger.das Buch.BornBorn,Birth, orParturition(Issuing from loins). Flat right in front of and near the body, pointing downward and to front, moved downward and outward on a curve. CompareDive.Fr.né; Ger.geboren.Borrow.SeeLend.Boss.UseChief.Both.SignOr, that is, hold up the left V, pointing forward, and tap each tip of V, and in turn, with right G; then over left V addAllwith right. Sometimes point to each and addTwo. Sometimes useAll. Blackfeet useTwoandSame.Fr.tous les deux; Ger.beide.BowBow(Weapon). The left A hand held still, a little advanced, the right A hand touches it and makes the motion of drawing the cord of the bow.Fr.l’arc; Ger.der Schiessbogen.BowlBowl(A vessel). With curved hands side by side, fingers bent, palms up, indicate shape. (C) CompareBoat. For a larger vessel, useBasin.Fr.le bol; Ger.die Schale,die Schüssel.BoxBox.Hold out both flat hands side by side, backs up; then swing apart and down at right angles, turning the hands at the angle so the backs are out.Fr.la boîte; Ger.der Kasten.Boy.SignMan,Young.Fr.le garçon; Ger.der Knabe.Brag.SeeBravado.BrainBrain.Touch forehead with N hand.Fr.le cerveau; Ger.das Gehirn.BrandBrandorName. All fingers of right closed but thumb and index, these form a “C,” which lay on the palm offlat left, pointing forward, thumb up. Sometimes lay it on left shoulder outside. CompareName.Fr.la marque,marquer avec un fer rouge; Ger.das Zeichen,das Brandmal,einbrennen.BravadoorBrag. SignFire,Talk,True, andNo. (C)Fr.la bravade; Ger.die Prahlerei.Brave(Strong heart). SignHeartandStrong.Fr.brave; Ger.mutig,tapfer.Brave, as an intensive. SeeVery much.Bread(Making a cake). Gently clap the slightly hollow right hand over slightly hollow left hand, then reverse so left is on right and clap them together again; repeat.Fr.le pain; Ger.das Brot.BreakBreak.Make the motion of seizing a stick, hold it horizontally with both hands and breaking it in the middle. The thumbs finish wide apart.Fr.casser,briser; Ger.zerbrechen.Breakfast. SignSunriseandEat.Fr.le déjeuner; Ger.das Frühstück.Breeze. SeeWind.Bribe.Hold the hand behind the back, hollowed, open and palm up. (Pop.)Fr.corrompre; Ger.bestechen.BridgeBridge(Lifting over water). SignWater; hold out theflat hands horizontally in front of body, pointing forward, palms up; andAcross.Fr.le pont; Ger.die Brücke.Bridle.LikeBit; but raise the hand till near the eyes.Fr.la bride; Ger.der Zaum.BringBring,Take, orFetch. Move the right G hand briskly well in front or to right or left of body; draw the hand with a sweep in toward the body, at the same time curving index finger. CompareComein which the index is held vertically, andSteal.Fr.apporter,prendre; Ger.bringen,nehmen,holen.BroadBroadorWide. Same asBig, but keep the hands flat and palms up.Broad and SpreadingBroad and Spreadingis the same as above but with palms down. ComparePrairie.Fr.large; Ger.breit.BrokeorDead broke. SeeDone(No. 2.)Broken down.SeeDecrepit.Brook.SeeCreek.BrotherBrother(Suck together). Lay nearly horizontal N of right hand on lips; draw it away and down, then addMale.Fr.le frère; Ger.der Bruder.Brother-in-LawBrother-in-Law.Left forearm across breast; with lower edge of flat right, strike down past left elbow. Probably means relative on the side. (R. B.)Fr.le beau-frère; Ger.der Schwager.Bucket.SignBowl, then indicate the handle.Fr.le seau; Ger.der Eimer.BuffaloBuffalo(Curved horns). Hold the curved G fingers palms toward and close to sides of head; raise the hands slightly and carry them a little to the front. To distinguish domestic cattle, addSpotted. The Navahos reverse this; that is, with them the curved horns as above meansCattle, to which they addBeard, to meanBuffalo.Fr.le bison; Ger.der Büffel.BulletBullet.SignFire off; then grasp the forefinger of the hand with the second finger and thumb, so that the tip of it will so extend beyond them and represent the ball.Fr.la balle; Ger.die Kugel.BunchBunch(Of fruit). Hold out the compressed right hand opposite throat, fingers pointing down. CompareBeard.BunchBunch(A small herd grazing). Hold out curved right 5 hand, back up and forward. SeeHerd. Sometimes useEnclosure.Fr.le troupeau; Ger.die Anzahl,die kleine Herde.Burn.SignFireandWipe out.Fr.brûler; Ger.brennen.BushesorBrush. LikeGrass, but breast high; and draw right hand to you and left far ahead.Fr.la broussaille; Ger.das Gebüsch.Busy.SignPushandWork.Fr.occupé; Ger.beschäftigt.But,Except,Save, orUnless(Of all one pulled back). SignAll, with right swung to left; then signOne, with left at left side, and pull it to right side between forefinger and thumb of right.But.SignAll Go,One,Sits.ButBut(One drawn back). Point right G down, forward and to right; hold it a second, then jerk it back four or five inches. (Hadley.)Fr.mais; Ger.aber.Butte.SeeHill.Buy.SignMoneyandTrade, making it clear who gives the money.BuyBuyorSelli.e.,Market. Tap three times on side of left G index with side of right G index. Compare,All the time,Peas, andWhile. SeeSell.Fr.acheter; Ger.kaufen.By.SeeBeside.By and ByBy and By(After a little time). Hold the pinched index and thumb of each hand as inTime, but half an inch apart. Or signTime afterward. CompareSometime.Fr.plus tard; (C) Ger.später.
Baby
Baby.Swing the flat right hand (sometimes S hand) in the hollow of the left arm as though it were a baby. Add signs for sex and size when needed. CompareTomahawk.
Fr.le bébé; Ger.das Kindchen,der Säugling.
Bachelor.SignMan,Marriage,No. (C)
Fr.le célibataire; Ger.der Junggeselle.
BackorAgain. SeeRepeat.
Back
Back,Backward,Ago, orPast(In time or space). Throw right 5 hand thumb first back over right shoulder once or twice. SeeAgo.
Fr.en arrière; Ger.hinten,zurück.
Backbite
Backbite.Lay the right V hand on the mouth, as inLie, then lay it on the back of the right shoulder. (Blackfoot.)
Backbite.SignScold,Talk, andHide.
Fr.médire de; Ger.verleumden.
Bacon
Bacon
Bacon(Meat and thin). Hold out the flat left hand, thumb edge up; with thumb and finger tips of right back down, rub little finger of left. Hadley gives this with the right hand over. It makes a better sign, but I never saw it used that way. CompareMeatandThinandOil.
Fr.le lard; Ger.der Speck.
Bad
BadorEvil(Suddenly thrown away). Hold clenched fist, back up, near breast; throw it forward, down, and aside, opening the hand. Sometimes for emphasis both hands are used. CompareAbandon,Charge, andHate.
Fr.mauvais; Ger.schlecht.
Badger
Badger(Walks under ground). SignHole,Enter, andWalk. The Blackfeet sign isStriped-facewith size and pawing indicated.
Fr.le blaireau; Ger.der Dachs.
Bad Taste.SeeTaste Bad.
Bag
Bag.Left C hand, back out; drop compressed right into this; then sometimes indicate thickness with flat hands pointing straight up.
Fr.le sac; Ger.der Sack.
Bald.Lay the flat right hand on the forehead, draw it up and back to the top of the head. Touch the hair and signWiped-out. (Blackfoot.)
Fr.chauve; Ger.kahlköpfig.
Band
BandorPatrol(Banded together). Hold the compressed left hand pointing up; encircle it with the right forefinger and thumb. (Chasing Bear.) Not a true Indian sign and not used, but would understand it. (Seger.) Sometimes useBunchorFew. SeeTribeorTroop.
Fr.la bande,la patrouille; Ger.die Schar,die Truppe.
Bankrupt.SeeDone.
BarorSaloon(House of drink). SignCrazy,Drink,House.
Fr.le cabaret,la buvette; Ger.die Bierstube,die Kneipe.
Bark(Like a dog). SignTalk, but use index and middle finger against thumb.
Fr.aboyer; Ger.bellen.
Barracks.SignWhite,Soldier,House.
Fr.la caserne; Ger.die Kaserne.
Barren.SignBornandAll gone.
Fr.stérile; Ger.unfruchtbar.
Bar up.SeeFins.
Baseball signs.These, of course, are not Indian; they differ locally, but the three following are used by most umpires:
A strike.The sign “Yes.”Out.The Same as the “No” sign (as tho striking something to one side with the back of hand).Safe.Hand raised as in “Easy.”
A strike.The sign “Yes.”
Out.The Same as the “No” sign (as tho striking something to one side with the back of hand).
Safe.Hand raised as in “Easy.”
Bashful.SeeAshamed.
Basin
BasinorHollow(A spread out circle). Hold the L hands low in front, backs up, forming an incomplete horizontal circle, not touching, the index fingers nearer each other than thumbs; swing the hands apart by wrist action so the index fingers point nearly forward.
Fr.le bassin; Ger.die Vertiefung,die Grube.
Basket
Basket.SignKettle, then interlock fingers as inHouse of logs, to show structure. The Cheyennes understand this, though usually they signKettleandSew.
Basket
Basket.Lock the fingers of the hollowed hands, backs down, join the thumbs as for a handle, then with the right hand grasp left thumb and raise the hand a few inches. (Sioux.) CompareCorral.
Fr.le panier; Ger.der Korb.
Bat
Bat.SignNightand zigzag flight; i.e., flat hands side by side, breast high, flapped first to right side next to left. (C)
Fr.la chauve-souris; Ger.die Fledermaus.
Battle, Combat.SignFight, after which makeShootwith each hand toward the other. (C) CompareFightandKill.
Fr.la bataille,le combat; Ger.die Schlacht.
Battle-cryorWar-cry.Open the mouth as in saying “O” and pat it with flattened fingers of right hand. (C) The Cheyennes useYell.
Fr.le cri de bataille; Ger.der Schlachtruf.
Bay
Bay.SignWater, then bring right L hand well out in front of body, forming a horizontal half-circle. (C)
Fr.la baie; Ger.die Bucht.
Bayonet
Bayonet.SignGun, then lay left G index alongside right G, the latter one-third ahead. If there is doubt, indicate drawing it on the barrel tip.
Fr.la baïonnette; Ger.das Bajonett.
Be, to be or exist
Be, to be or exist(Living). SignAliveand then finish withNoworPastto indicate tense, andManyto indicate plural. Sometimes useDwellorRecoverfor this idea. CompareAlone.
Fr.étre; Ger.existieren,sein.
Beads
Beads.Hold out the flat right, slightly hollow; drop it a little with a sidewise quivering to suggest the shimmering of a handful of beads. (C)
Beads.Simulate holding beads between the left index and thumb, while threading them with a needle in the right. ForBeadworkadd a design or sign forWork.
Fr.les perles; Ger.die Perlen.
Beans
Beans(One picked out of a handful). Right hand flat, palm up, index and thumb joined with the tip of index projecting. (Chasing Bear. Understood by Cheyennes.)
Fr.les haricots; Ger.die Bohnen.
Bear
Bear.Hold out the Y hands, backs up, and strike both down; push both forward in a series of jerks, or swing down, forward and up.
Bear
Bear.Hold up flat fists near ears, palms forward, to indicate round ears. (Blackfoot.) Some indicate the paws by holding up both curved 5 hands.
Fr.l’ours; Ger.der Bär.
Bear, Grizzly.As above, but indicate the gray color.
Fr.l’ours gris; Ger.der graue Bär.
Beard
Beard.Hang the compressed right hand, point down, under chin. The hand or hands are differently placed for different cuts of whiskers.
Fr.la barbe; Ger.der Bart.
Beat, orOvercome. UseKill.
Beautiful,Handsome, orPretty. Hold up flat right hand, and look on the palm as in a mirror, then make the signGood.
Beautiful
Beautiful.Draw the flat hand down near the face, back forward, and signGood.
Fr.beau; Ger.schön.
Beaver
Beaver(Tail of beaver striking mud or water). Hold left flat hand in front of body, left arm horizontal; strike up against the left palm once or twice with back of right flat hand.
Fr.le castor; Ger.der Biber.
Because
Because.SignConsider, thenBehold. Understood by Cheyennes and Blackfeet, though not well established.
Fr.parce que; Ger.weil.
BecomeorTurn into. SignGrowandSameorArrive there.
Fr.devenir; Ger.werden.
Bed(Spreading blanket for sleep). Hold flat hands palms up, points forward, one behind the other, left ahead, push it forward, at same time draw back right, then addSleep.
Fr.le lit; Ger.das Bett.
Bee.SignFly,Arrow, andOne. (C) In Cheyenne, signSmall,Bird,Make,Taste.
Fr.l’abeille; Ger.die Biene.
Before.SeeAhead.
Before, that is,Future. Sign forTime, but hold left hand near breast and swing right forward, up and over. Or signAfter,Many Sleeps.
Fr.avant; Ger.ehe.
Beg(To ask alms). Hold out the flat right hand, palm up, as a beggar does. Swing it forward and upward, then draw it toward self, slightly curving the fingers.
Fr.mendier; Ger.betteln.
Beg,I beg of you,Ask,I pray you. Lay the flat hands together, palms touching, fingers pointing up (or clasp them) and hold them toward the person. A white sign now understood by the Indians. ComparePray.
Fr.supplier; Ger.bitten.
Begin
Begin,Commence,Must,Push,Try,Go ahead(Start in a race). With elbow at sides and arms level, push fists forward two or three inches, right a little behind. Or useGo. SeeStrong.
Fr.commencer; Ger.anfangen,beginnen.
Behavior.SeeWay.
Behind.SeeAfter.
Behold
Behold.Hold out flat right, palm up, pointing forward and moved slowly down to below level. Sometimes use both hands. CompareShow.
Fr.regardez!; Ger.siehe da!
Believe.SignThink,Straight.
Fr.croire; Ger.glauben.
Belonging to.SeePossession.
Below,Beneath, orUnder. Is the reverse ofAbove; which see.
Fr.dessous,sous; Ger.unter.
Belt.With both hands, make as though putting on a belt.
Fr.la ceinture; Ger.der Gürtel.
Beneath.SeeBelow.
Bend
BendorBent. Take left index in right finger and thumb and bend the middle joint of it at right angles. Or signBreakvery slowly.
Fr.plier; Ger.biegen.
Berry
Berry.With right middle finger and thumb hold tip of right index, letting it project a little; addBushes. Or, signTree,Pick, andEat. This is a descriptive phrase rather than an established sign, but it is a good illustration of impromptu constructions which are continually made and are at once understood because in harmony with the main principles of Sign Talk. CompareFruit,Cherry, andBullet.
Fr.la baie; Ger.die Beere.
Beside
BesideorBy(By the side of). LikeWith, but right G about three inches off left palm. Sometimes useClose.
Fr.à côté de,près de; Ger.neben.
Bet
BetorWager(Placing on each of two piles). Indicate the event, asRace, then signPlace; that is, hold out partly compressed hands backs up; swing both forward up and down nearlytogetherat finish.
Fr.le pari; Ger.die Wette.
Between
Between.Hold up the flat hands, palm to palm, six inches apart; then thrust the right G on line close past left palm.
Between
Between.Hold left V hand, fingers level, pointing to right (or straight up) and drop right G down between.
Fr.entre; Ger.zwischen.
Beware,Caution, orLook out. SeeWarning.
Beyond
BeyondorOther side. Hold the flat left hand, back up, in front of body about ten inches, fingers pointing to right; bring flat right hand, back up, between left and body at same height, fingers pointing to left; swing the right hand upward, outward, and then downward on curve, beyond left hand, turning right hand back down in movement. CompareFallandOther.
Fr.au-delà de; Ger.jenseits.
Bible.SignBookandMedicine.
Fr.la Bible; Ger.die Bibel.
Big
Big.Hold the curved 5 hands with palms toward each other, well out in front of the body, hands a little lower than shoulders and a few inches apart, pointing forward; separate hands, carrying right to right, left to left, keeping them opposite each other. Also used forLong. CompareGreatandLong.
Fr.grand,gros; Ger.grosz.
Bighorn.SeeSheep.
Bird
Bird.With flat hands at the shoulders, palms down, imitate the motion of wings. Using different speeds for different birds. CompareFly, which progresses.
Fr.l’oiseau; Ger.der Vogel.
Birth.SeeBorn.
Bison.SeeBuffalo.
Bit
Bit(Of a bridle). Place the L hand palm down on the mouth.
Fr.le frein; Ger.das Gebisz.
Bite
Bite.Bring the right C hand, back outward and upward, a little in front of the body; snap sharply together the tips of the first and second fingers and the tip of thumb against the back of the left flat hand, repeating the motion. Some omit left hand. The Blackfeet make this from the mouth.
Fr.mordre; Ger.beiszen.
Bitter
BitterorSour. Touch tongue with tip of right G and addBad. CompareSalt,Sugar,Taste,Taste bad.
Fr.amer; Ger.bitter.
Black.SeeColor.
Blackfoot.SeeIndian.
Blackguarding
BlackguardingorReviling(Lies from both). Hold up right V, pointing nearly level forward, opposite right shoulder; left ditto at left shoulder; swing them alternately at each other.
Fr.outrager,insulter; Ger.jemanden beschimpfen.
Blanket
BlanketorRobe(Wrapping about shoulder). Bring the A hands palms toward each other, opposite and above each shouldernear the neck; move the right hand to left and left to right till the wrists are crossed, right hand nearest body. CompareFond.
Fr.la couverture; Ger.die Decke.
Bless you
Bless you(Drawing from above and spreading out). Hold the flat hands high up in front, palms forward, apart, at arm’s length. Lower them a little and slightly push toward the person meant. (C)
Fr.que Dieu vous bénisse; Ger.Gott segne dich!
Blessing the food.Hold both 5 hands over the food, then addTalkupward.
Blind
Blind.Bring both flat hands, backs outward, in front of and close to eyes, right hand nearest and both hands parallel to face; move right hand slightly to left, left to right; then place the tips of the fingers against closed eyes. (C)
Fr.aveugle; Ger.blind.
Blood
Blood(A wounded buffalo bleeds at the nostrils). Raise the right V hand so the tips of the fingers are pressed one against each nostril; move the hand to the right and downward, giving it a tremulous motion. AddRed. Some omitRed.
Fr.le sang; Ger.das Blut.
BloomorBlossom. SeeFlower.
Bluff.SeeHill.
Boat
Boat.Bring the hands together hollowed, fingers straight, little fingers joining, the thumbs somewhat apart, to represent the body of a boat, held before the breast. Push it forward to indicate movement. Add the motion of paddling forCanoe, orRowingfor bigger boat. Usually theBoatsign is omitted;PaddlingorRowingbeing enough by itself. CompareBowl.
Fr.le bateau; Ger.der Kahn.
Boil.SeeCook.
Fr.bouillir; Ger.kochen.
Bone
Bone.Hold up the left hand, palm down, wrist a little bent; with right G tap the wrist bone on outer side of left; then addHard.
Fr.l’os; Ger.der Knochen.
Bonnet
Bonnet, that is,Warbonnet. Sweep 5 hands along near each side of head from front to back. Sometimes also sweep right 5 hand down behind for theTail.
Fr.le bonnet de guerre; Ger.die Federkappe.
Book
Book.Open and close the flat hands like cover of a book, then indicate the lines of writing. Sometimes show the thickness to distinguish it fromLetter. CompareOpenandShut.
Fr.le livre; Ger.das Buch.
Born
Born,Birth, orParturition(Issuing from loins). Flat right in front of and near the body, pointing downward and to front, moved downward and outward on a curve. CompareDive.
Fr.né; Ger.geboren.
Borrow.SeeLend.
Boss.UseChief.
Both.SignOr, that is, hold up the left V, pointing forward, and tap each tip of V, and in turn, with right G; then over left V addAllwith right. Sometimes point to each and addTwo. Sometimes useAll. Blackfeet useTwoandSame.
Fr.tous les deux; Ger.beide.
Bow
Bow(Weapon). The left A hand held still, a little advanced, the right A hand touches it and makes the motion of drawing the cord of the bow.
Fr.l’arc; Ger.der Schiessbogen.
Bowl
Bowl(A vessel). With curved hands side by side, fingers bent, palms up, indicate shape. (C) CompareBoat. For a larger vessel, useBasin.
Fr.le bol; Ger.die Schale,die Schüssel.
Box
Box.Hold out both flat hands side by side, backs up; then swing apart and down at right angles, turning the hands at the angle so the backs are out.
Fr.la boîte; Ger.der Kasten.
Boy.SignMan,Young.
Fr.le garçon; Ger.der Knabe.
Brag.SeeBravado.
Brain
Brain.Touch forehead with N hand.
Fr.le cerveau; Ger.das Gehirn.
Brand
BrandorName. All fingers of right closed but thumb and index, these form a “C,” which lay on the palm offlat left, pointing forward, thumb up. Sometimes lay it on left shoulder outside. CompareName.
Fr.la marque,marquer avec un fer rouge; Ger.das Zeichen,das Brandmal,einbrennen.
BravadoorBrag. SignFire,Talk,True, andNo. (C)
Fr.la bravade; Ger.die Prahlerei.
Brave(Strong heart). SignHeartandStrong.
Fr.brave; Ger.mutig,tapfer.
Brave, as an intensive. SeeVery much.
Bread(Making a cake). Gently clap the slightly hollow right hand over slightly hollow left hand, then reverse so left is on right and clap them together again; repeat.
Fr.le pain; Ger.das Brot.
Break
Break.Make the motion of seizing a stick, hold it horizontally with both hands and breaking it in the middle. The thumbs finish wide apart.
Fr.casser,briser; Ger.zerbrechen.
Breakfast. SignSunriseandEat.
Fr.le déjeuner; Ger.das Frühstück.
Breeze. SeeWind.
Bribe.Hold the hand behind the back, hollowed, open and palm up. (Pop.)
Fr.corrompre; Ger.bestechen.
Bridge
Bridge(Lifting over water). SignWater; hold out theflat hands horizontally in front of body, pointing forward, palms up; andAcross.
Fr.le pont; Ger.die Brücke.
Bridle.LikeBit; but raise the hand till near the eyes.
Fr.la bride; Ger.der Zaum.
Bring
Bring,Take, orFetch. Move the right G hand briskly well in front or to right or left of body; draw the hand with a sweep in toward the body, at the same time curving index finger. CompareComein which the index is held vertically, andSteal.
Fr.apporter,prendre; Ger.bringen,nehmen,holen.
Broad
BroadorWide. Same asBig, but keep the hands flat and palms up.
Broad and Spreading
Broad and Spreadingis the same as above but with palms down. ComparePrairie.
Fr.large; Ger.breit.
BrokeorDead broke. SeeDone(No. 2.)
Broken down.SeeDecrepit.
Brook.SeeCreek.
Brother
Brother(Suck together). Lay nearly horizontal N of right hand on lips; draw it away and down, then addMale.
Fr.le frère; Ger.der Bruder.
Brother-in-Law
Brother-in-Law.Left forearm across breast; with lower edge of flat right, strike down past left elbow. Probably means relative on the side. (R. B.)
Fr.le beau-frère; Ger.der Schwager.
Bucket.SignBowl, then indicate the handle.
Fr.le seau; Ger.der Eimer.
Buffalo
Buffalo(Curved horns). Hold the curved G fingers palms toward and close to sides of head; raise the hands slightly and carry them a little to the front. To distinguish domestic cattle, addSpotted. The Navahos reverse this; that is, with them the curved horns as above meansCattle, to which they addBeard, to meanBuffalo.
Fr.le bison; Ger.der Büffel.
Bullet
Bullet.SignFire off; then grasp the forefinger of the hand with the second finger and thumb, so that the tip of it will so extend beyond them and represent the ball.
Fr.la balle; Ger.die Kugel.
Bunch
Bunch(Of fruit). Hold out the compressed right hand opposite throat, fingers pointing down. CompareBeard.
Bunch
Bunch(A small herd grazing). Hold out curved right 5 hand, back up and forward. SeeHerd. Sometimes useEnclosure.
Fr.le troupeau; Ger.die Anzahl,die kleine Herde.
Burn.SignFireandWipe out.
Fr.brûler; Ger.brennen.
BushesorBrush. LikeGrass, but breast high; and draw right hand to you and left far ahead.
Fr.la broussaille; Ger.das Gebüsch.
Busy.SignPushandWork.
Fr.occupé; Ger.beschäftigt.
But,Except,Save, orUnless(Of all one pulled back). SignAll, with right swung to left; then signOne, with left at left side, and pull it to right side between forefinger and thumb of right.
But.SignAll Go,One,Sits.
But
But(One drawn back). Point right G down, forward and to right; hold it a second, then jerk it back four or five inches. (Hadley.)
Fr.mais; Ger.aber.
Butte.SeeHill.
Buy.SignMoneyandTrade, making it clear who gives the money.
Buy
BuyorSelli.e.,Market. Tap three times on side of left G index with side of right G index. Compare,All the time,Peas, andWhile. SeeSell.
Fr.acheter; Ger.kaufen.
By.SeeBeside.
By and By
By and By(After a little time). Hold the pinched index and thumb of each hand as inTime, but half an inch apart. Or signTime afterward. CompareSometime.
Fr.plus tard; (C) Ger.später.