CCache.SeeHide.CallCall,Attention!Say!Strike the palm of the open left hand with the tips of right fingers, then swing right G a little toward the person.Fr.dites donc; Ger.hören Sie!CalledCalledorNamed. Lay the back of the crooked right Gon lips, pointing to front and left, its tip pressed against the thumb, which is nearly straight; then move the hand upward and forward in a curve, straightening out the index finally with a snap, pointing toward the person or thing. CompareTalkin which the action is repeated. See alsoName.Fr.appelé; Ger.genannt.Camera.SignPictureandSee. ComparePhotograph.CampCamp(Set up the lodge). SignTeepee, holding the hands face high; drop the hands together for a foot with energy.Fr.le camp; Ger.das Lager.Camp-fireCamp-fire.Hold left hand flat, palm down, fingers a little spread; then lay right hand fingers similarly held across at right angles, to indicate the wood laid ready, and add the sign forFire. (Sheeaka.) Not a true Indian sign, but sufficiently descriptive for the Cheyennes to understand it.Fr.le feu de camp; Ger.das Lagerfeuer.Camp-fire Girls.SignCamp-fire, then raise the right index in a spiral forSmoke.Camp-fire man are you?Give the signsQuestion,you,camp-fire, andmanor briefly make theCamp-firesign and look inquiringly.Fr.Êtes vous membre du Camp-fire Club; Ger.Sind Sie ein Mitglied des Lagerfeuer Klubs?CanCan,Able, orPower. Hold both S hands in front, elbows at sides, thumbs up; drop the hands for six inches with a jerk. (Sheeaka and the Blackfeet.) Sometimes use only one hand. The Cheyennes signOwn,Strong,Medicine.Fr.pouvoir; Ger.können.Candid(True, clear as day and good). SignTrue,Day, andGood. (C)Fr.sincère; Ger.aufrichtig.CandleCandle.Hold up left G finger and with right hand signFireon its tip, then indicate length on left arm.Fr.la bougie; Ger.die Kerze.Candy-stickCandy-stick.SignSugar; then on left G index held upright, show stripes. (C)Fr.le bonbon; Ger.das Zuckerwerk.Cannon.SignGunandBig.Fr.le canon; Ger.die Kanone.CannotCannot, orUnable,Fail,Failure(The arrow that failed to stick). Hold the flat left hand out in front, thumb edge up; strike the palm of it with the forefinger of the right G hand, which then at once rebounds and is thrown forward and down to rest on its back.Fr.ne pas pouvoir,incapable; Ger.nicht können,unfähig.Canoe.SignBoatandPaddle.Canoe of birch barkCanoe of birch bark.Push forward compressed right, back down, to represent the curved prow, then addPaddle.Fr.la pirogue,le canot; Ger.das Kanu, derRindenkahn.CanyonCanyon(Between hills). Hold up the fists, palms toward each other, about six inches apart, face high; then indicateGo between; that is, hold the left unchanged but thrust forward the flat right hand, palm to left. (Blackfoot.) CompareBetween.Fr.le canyon,le grand ravin; Ger.die Schluckt.Cards.Hold imaginary cards in left and deal with right hand.Fr.les cartes; Ger.die Karten.CaribouCaribou.SignDeer,High, and lay the flat right hand on forehead so the fingers slightly spread point forward, showing thebrow shovel. (Blackfoot.) Sometimes omitHigh.Fr.le renne,le caribou; Ger.das Karibu.CarriageCarriage, orCovered Wagon. SignWagon, then raise the hands, palms down, flat, but bent at an angle, up above the head, and move forward about two feet to represent the carriage top.CarriageorBuggy. SignWagon,Small, and sometimes addBlack.Fr.la voiture; Ger.der Wagen.CarryCarryorPack. Both closed hands held opposite the temple as if holding the tump line, the shoulders slightly forward as though bearing a pack.Fr.porter; Ger.tragen.Carry in the hand.With one hand make as though carrying a basket by the handle.Cars.SeeRailroad train.CartridgeCartridge.Hold right G hand, back up, in front of body, index horizontal and pointing to front, thumb pressed against side of index, with the thumb tip just back of second joint; addShoot. SeeAmmunition.Fr.la cartouche; Ger.die Patrone, (artill)die Kartusche.CatCat(Flattened or turned-up nose). Lay A hand on nose, rotating a little out and up. (C) SignNose,Short,Dog.Fr.le chat; Ger.die Katze.Catch.Same asGetbut action quicker. SeeGet.Fr.attraper; Ger.fangen.CatholicCatholic.Indicate gown by sweeping the 5 hands down over the sides and outward; then addBlack. Sometimes make the sign of the Cross.Fr.catholique; Ger.katholisch.Cattle.SignBuffaloandSpotted. (Blackfoot.) CompareBuffalo. Or, signBuffaloandWhiteman.Fr.les bestiaux; Ger.das Vieh.Caution.SeeWarning.Cavalry.SoldierandRide.Fr.la cavalerie; Ger.die Kavallerie.CentreCentre.With thumbs and index fingers of L hands make a horizontal circle; then, keeping the left unchanged, indicate centre with right G finger. Sometimes draw a horizontal circle with right G, then drop same down into its centre.Fr.le centre; Ger.die Mitte.Certain.SignI,Know,Good. Or useTrue.Fr.certain; Ger.sicher.ChallengeChallenge,Defy, orDare. Spring the middle finger with a vigorous snap toward the person, the other fingers closed; hand held face high, back up. A European sign given by Butler. CompareThereandDefiance.Fr.défier; Ger.herausfordern.Chance.SeeLuck.CharacterCharacter(Shape of heart). Lay right C hand on heart, draw it out, that is, forward, a little and with both A hands outline a human figure. (D) SignHeart,Good,Bad. (Blackfoot.)Fr.le caractère; Ger.der Charakter.ChargeCharge(Military, against others). Swing both fists from right shoulder forward and a little down in an up curve, away, rising a little, at the same time springing them open.Fr.la charge(contre les autres); Ger.die Attacke,der Angriff(gegen andere).ChargeCharge(Military, against us). Similar but reversed, springing the hands open toward one’s face.Fr.la charge(contre nous); Ger.die Attacke(gegen uns).Chase.SeeFollow.Cherries(Choke). Sign,Tree,Pick, andPound. (Blackfoot.) SeeBerry.Fr.les cerises; Ger.die Kirschen.Cheyenne.SeeIndian.ChickenChicken.SignBird, thenRedand with 5 hand on crown showComb. (C) Or signBirdandWhiteman.Fr.le poulet; Ger.das Huhn.ChiefChief(People with one man rising above them). Hold up left 5 hand, palm to right, pass index of right G hand at several inches above left. (Scott.) The Cheyennes omit left hand; they shoot the right G up over and much down in a long sweep, finishing lower than it began.Fr.le commandant; Ger.der Häuptling.ChildorOffspring. Compressed right hand, points up, swung well out in front and dropped a foot to the height of the child. CompareYoung.Fr.l’enfant; Ger.das Kind.ChildrenChildren(Springing up). Hold out both hands, palms up, very low, fingers pointing up and scarcely spread; alternately swing them up and down for six inches. CompareGrass, in which they are held low and are spread widely; alsoBushes.Fr.les enfants; Ger.die Kinder.ChooseChoose,Make choice, orSelect. Hold right G shoulder high, back up, a foot in front of the breast, swing it in acircle with a succession of little bounds or up curves, as though pointing at many different objects in succession, the head turned to follow always; then finish by throwing the G finger forward in a curve; or, in some cases, finish by picking up the imaginary object selected, using index and thumb for this. CompareFind,Hunting, andLook.Fr.choisir; Ger.wählen.ChopChop.Use the flat right hand, little finger down, as an axe, chopping first from right, then from left, once on each side. Sometimes do this on back of left hand, which stands for the log. CompareFree, which is two or three cuts on right side only.Fr.couper,trancher; Ger.hauen,hacken.Christmas(The day of the shining tree). SignTree, then hold hand with fingers spread and crooked, palm down, level of face. Lower it six inches in short, quick zigzags to suggest glittering or shimmering. (W. C. Roe.) InSnowthe hand is lowered in long zigzags for about two feet. SeeShimmer. Or signMiddle,Winter,Tree, andHanging; for the last, hold the curved 5 hands, backs up, at level of the eyes; jerk them a little apart. (R. B.)Fr.le Noël; Ger.Weihnachten.ChurchChurch(Steeple house). Cross clasp the fingers so the tips are within, then raise both index fingers to form the steeple. (Pop.)Church.SignMedicine,Talk,House.Fr.l’église; Ger.die Kirche.CigaretteCigarette.SignTobacco; then lay G fingers side by side pointing opposite ways; roll one about the other. Sometimes omitTobacco; sometimes giveCigar(2nd sign) andLittle.Fr.la cigarette; Ger.die Zigarette.Cigar(2). SignCigarette,Black, andSmoking. Sometimes hold right G at corner of mouth, pointing forward.CigarandCigaretteare recent signs and changing rapidly.Fr.le cigare; Ger.die Zigarre.City(Big town). Make sign forTown, then add sign forBig. Or omitBigbut swing the hands far apart.Fr.la ville; Ger.die Stadt.Cities.Many are indicated by their initial letter enhanced with twisting motion. (D) For some we may use their nickname but this is merely a suggestion.Boston(The Hub). Sign forCityandCentre.Chicago(Windy City). Sign forCityandWind. The Cheyennes call itBig Lake City.Kansas City(Buffalo Head City). SignBuffalo Headand point up high to the wall. (Cheyenne.)London.SignCity,Chief, andRed Coats.New York(Knickerbocker City). Sign forCityand trousers cut off below the knee; i.e., draw flat of hand down over thigh then below knee and stop, turning edge of hand in. Or signBig Island City. (Blackfoot.)Ottawa.SignCity,Chief, andCapotes.PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia(Quaker City). SignCity, then make sign for broad hat with rim curled up by drawing both index fingers across mid-brow, level in front, then twisting them up at the place of the rim. Or “no name, justBig City, nothing distinctive.” (Blackfoot.)Pittsburg(Smoky City). Sign forCityandSmoky.Rome(Eternal City). SignCityandForever.Washington.SignFather,Chief,Sits. (Cheyenne.)Clean-handedClean-handedorInnocent(Great Spirit see no blood on these hands). Lift hands over shoulder, palms up higher than head and addBlood,No. (C) Or, signWork,Bad,No.Fr.innocent; Ger.unschuldig.Clear(Clear Sky). SignClouds, then swing the hands wide apart, finishing with palms up at arm’s length, up high. Or, signClouds,Wiped out. (Blackfoot.)Clever.SeeCunning.CloseClose,Near,Nearly,Soon,Early,About, orAlmost(Draw near). Bring the flat curved right hand, back to right, well out in front of body, about height of shoulder; draw the hand in toward the body and slightly downward. CompareFar. See alsoSoon.Fr.près,presque; Ger.nahe,beinahe.Clothes.SeeCoat.CloudsClouds(Rolling). Rotate the flat hands over each other from in front of the face, to over the head.CloudsClouds(Rain). Look upward, swing the flat hands at arm’s length, palms down over the head; then addRain.Fr.les nuages; Ger.die Wolken.Coal.SignHard,Fire, andGood.Fr.le charbon; Ger.die Kohle.CoatCoatorClothes. Hold the L hands near the breast, palms in; swing them down to the waist.Fr.l’habit; Ger.der Rock.CoffeeCoffee(Grinding coffee in mill). A few inches over the flat left hand, back down, move the right A as though turning the crank of a coffee mill. Or, signBlack Drink. CompareTobacco.Fr.le café; Ger.der Kaffee.Coin.Close hollow right over hollowed left and shake as tho jingling coin. (Sheeaka; not Indian, but now understood.) SeeDollar.Fr.la pièce d’argent; Ger.die Münze.ColdCold(Shivering). Bring the fists in front of and close to body, height of shoulder, elbows at sides, shoulders drawn in, and shiver. SeeWinter. CompareBlanket.Fr.froid; Ger.kalt.ColorColor.With the finger tips of right hand (thumb crooked under) rub circularly on the palm of left hand as though rubbing color. Often addSameorEqual, to make more clear.Fr.la couleur; Ger.die Farbe.Black.SignColorand touch the hair or eyebrow.Fr.noir; Ger.schwarz.Blue.SignSunwith left hand and then draw the right G finger around it to mean color of sky around the sun. (Sheeaka). Or, signColorandSky.Fr.bleu; Ger.blau.Brown.SignColorandDeer.Fr.brun; Ger.braun.Gray.SignColor,Little, andWhite.Fr.gris; Ger.grau.Green.SignColorandGrass.Fr.vert; Ger.grün.Red(Cheek color). SignColorand lightly brush the right finger tips over the cheek, points to right.Fr.rouge; Ger.rot.White.SignColorand rub thumb nail of left A hand with tip of right G finger; i.e., nail color, white in Indians.Fr.blanc; Ger.weiss.Yellow.SignColorand point to any yellow object, such as a straw or dead grass. Or signColor,Grass, andDead.Fr.jaune; Ger.gelb.For other colors, touch or indicate some object of the tint meant.CombComb.With all fingers of right 5 hand hooked, comb the right side of the head and down as far as the breast two or three times. CompareWoman.Fr.le peigne; Ger.der Kamm.Combat.SeeBattle.ComeCome. Carry right G hand, back out, fingers up, in a graceful sweep from arm’s length to within a foot of one’s face. Many use the flat hand swung down and to you, palm under and toward you. Railroad men use the whole arm, swinging it across the body at an angle of 45 degrees, so as to be seen in a dim light.Fr.venez; Ger.kommen Sie.Come back. Hold flat left, back forward, near breast; swing right ditto pointed up from arm’s length in against back of left. SeeArrive here.Fr.revenez; Ger.kommen Sie zurück.Come betweenCome betweenorIntervene. Hold out left hand flat, back out, at arm’s length and pass flat right, thumb up, between left and body.Fr.s’interposer, intervenir; Ger.dazwischen kommen.Come gently.SeeEasy.Come for a momentCome for a moment.Right hand held forward and up, fingers closed except index, with which beckon by crooking and straightening, the hand not moved. (Pop.) White sign, now fully adopted by the Cheyennes.Fr.venez une seconde; Ger.kommen Sie einen Augenblick her.Come into viewCome into vieworAppear. Hold out flat left hand, back forward, thrust right G index up, farther off, under and behind, until it appears above.Fr.paraître; Ger.erscheinen.ComfortComfort(See how smooth or fat). Draw flat right hand, palm in, down breast, then off and up in curve forward, palm up. (Sheeaka.) CompareConfess. Sometimes useGlad. (Blackfoot.)Fr.le bien-être; Ger.die Behaglichkeit.ComfortableComfortable.Alternately rub left palm over back of right hand, then right over left back, always palm up; then swing both forward. (Sheeaka. Probably from Deaf.)Fr.confortable; Ger.gemütlich.Coming.Hold out the flat right, palm to you and pointing nearly up; draw it to you in little jerks.Fr.venant; Ger.kommend.Coming man.SeeRising man.Commence.SeeBegin.Compass points.North—Wind cold there.Fr.le nord; Ger.der Norden.East—Sunrise there.Fr.l’est; Ger.der Osten.South—Wind warm there.Fr.le sud; Ger.der Süden.West—Sunset there.Fr.l’ouest; Ger.der Westen.Complete.SeeDone.Comparative, etc., ofAdjectives.ForPositive, give first the adjective then swing the flat right hand out a little, level, palm up. (Sheeaka.)ForComparative, give first the adjective then raise the right G hand to the height of the chin, pointing up. (Sheeaka.) SeeMore, and sometimes useAheadorAboveafter the adjective.Fr.le comparatif; Ger.der Komparativ.ForSuperlative, give first the adjective then addStrongandAheadorVery much.Fr.le superlatif; Ger.der Superlativ.Conceal.SeeHide.ConceitConceit(Swelled Head). Hold hands open and curved, one on each side of the head, two or three inches away. A whiteman’s sign, but quite well known now to the younger generation of Indians.If in unbelievable degree, stretch the right hand at full length sidewise, and work the first finger as though scratching the ear which is supposed to be just above the hand. (Pop.)Conceit.SignHe,Think,Strong.Fr.la vanité,la présomption; Ger.die Einbildung,der Dünkel.Conduct.Same asWay.ConfessConfess(Show the heart). Lay points of both compressed hands on centre of breast, then spring them away, out and aside, turning them flat and palms up. Sometimes but one hand is used. I am inclined tothink that this should be simplyHeartandBehold, although none of my Indians made it that way. Sometimes signYou,Tell,True.Fr.confesser; Ger.gestehen.Congress.SignWhiteman,Chief,Council(No. 2).Fr.le Congrès; Ger.der Kongresz.Connivance(Wink, that is, close one eye). This ancient sign assumes that the person who should see, closes the eye next his accomplice. (Pop. Also Cheyenne.)Fr.la connivence; Ger.die Konnivenz,das (strafbare) Einverständnis.ConsiderConsider,Ponder, orWeigh(Wisdom looking on the ground). SignWolf(i.e.,wisdom, analogous with our word “foxy”), then turn downward the points of the two fingers representing the wolf ears, back of hand near the eyes and moving the hand from right to left as in surveying the ground. (Scott.)ConsiderConsider.Hold the right “4” hand near the heart, pointing to left, rotate a little back and forth. (Blackfoot.)The Cheyennes use V hand, which makes it the same asIf. SeeBecause.Fr.considérer; Ger.erwägen.Constable.SeePoliceman.Contempt.SeeScorn.Contented.To make contented, Satisfied.UseGladorSit,Good. (Blackfoot.)Fr.content; Ger.zufrieden.Continue.SignGoandLong Time. (Blackfoot.)Fr.continuer; Ger.fortsetzen.Conversation.SeeDiscussion,Speech, andTalk.Cook(In the abstract). SeeMakeandFood.Fr.faire cuire,cuisiner; Ger.kochen.CookCook(By boiling). With both L hands make a horizontal circle, then holding left unchanged, put something into it with right and addFire. CompareCentreandHole.Fr.cuire,bouillir; Ger.kochen.CookCook(By frying). Place flat right on flat left hand, palm to palm, then flip the right like a pancake, turning it palm up as it drops on the left.Cook(By broiling). As in the aboveFrying, but leave out the left hand entirely.Fr.griller; Ger.braten,rösten.Cook(noun). SignMan,Makes,Food.Fr.le cuisinier; Ger.der Koch.Coon.SeeRaccoon.CornCorn(Shelling the corn). Hold out the left A hand, thumb straight and resting on index finger; place the ball of the thumb of right A hand on back of left thumb near its base; twist the right hand by wrist action to the right and downward until the right thumb slips off with a snap against the right index. Repeat once or twice.Fr.le maïs; Ger.der türkische Weizen, derMais.CorralCorralorFenced FieldorPasture(Area embraced or held). Interlock the fingers, hold arms curved infront, horizontal; then addEnclosure, i.e., swing the hands apart and draw back each in a half circle till their heels meet near you.Fr.le corral; Ger.die Einzäunung.CouncilCouncil(Sitting in a circle and talking). Bring the A hands, back outward, well out in front of body, a little lower than the shoulders, little fingers touching; swing them apart and toward the body so they meet close to it, forming a horizontal circle; palms forward; then addDiscussion.Council(2). Exactly likeAcross, but repeated two or three times. This is a recent sign among the Cheyennes, but is becoming popular. SeeAcrossandLaw.Fr.le conseil; Ger.die Ratsversammlung.CounselorAdvice. SeeAdvice.Counting.SeeNumbers.Count coupCount couporMake a hitor aStrike(Striking a dead body with the coup stick). Strike the top joint of the right G index on the middle of the left G index, as the right is swung from below up.Grand CoupsignCoupandGreat.Fr.le coup; Ger.der Treffschusz.Country.SeeLand.Coup.SeeCount coup.CourtingCourting(Driving or rounding up in secret). Thrust the right L hand back nearly up under flat left, heldpalm down, twisting the right by wrist action. CompareSweetheartandGlitter.Fr.faire la cour; Ger.das Cour machen,das Hof machen.Coward.SeeFear.Coyote.SignWolfandSmall.Fr.le coyote,le loup des prairies; Ger.der Präriewolf.CrabCrab.Place base of wrist of right hand, palm down, on some flat surface, thumb and little finger extended and curved (others closed) to represent claws. Then move the hand sidewise backward, waving the claws. (Scott.) CompareSpider.Fr.le crabe; Ger.die Krabbe.Crave.SeeWant.Crayfish.Hold out the V hand level; draw it back, opening and shutting the V. CompareDog.Fr.l’écrevisse; Ger.der Krebs.CrazyCrazy,Foolish,Mad,Demented(Brain in a whirl). Raise compressed right hand, all fingers together, tap the forehead with it and make one or two quick circles with finger tips in the air. (Sheeaka.) Tap the forehead, shake the head and point to the person. (Pop.)Crazy.Swing the 5 hand in horizontal circles near the forehead, going with the sun. Going the reverse way always raises a laugh among Cheyennes; it both intensifies and makes the idea ridiculous.Fr.fou; Ger.verrückt.Cree.SeeIndian.CreekCreek,Brook, orRill. SignWater, then draw right G hand, back up, held low, from opposite left side, past body to right side; finger level, pointing to left and waved sidewise. CompareRiver,Snake,Crooked, andWire.Fr.le ruisseau; Ger.der Bach.CrimeorSin. SignStrong,Bad,Work.Fr.le crime; Ger.das Verbrechen.CrookedCrookedorWrong. Point the right G forward and slightly down; push it slowly forward in a succession of large, horizontal zigzags, each arched a little.CrossCrossorSulky. Rest the forehead low on the left hand. Or signHeart,Bad.Fr.maussade; Ger.mürrisch.CrossCross(of Christ). Hold right G upright, left G at right angles across last joint of right.Fr.le crucifix; Ger.das Kruzifix.Cross.SeeAcross.Cross the heart.With right index make a little cross over the heart. This means “I give you my word of honor.” (Pop.)Fr.parole d’honneur!; Ger.auf mein Ehrenwort!Crow.SignBirdandBlack.Fr.la corneille; Ger.die Krähe.Crowded.SeeFew.Crow Indian.SeeIndian.Crush.SeeExterminate.Cry out.SeeYell.CryCry,To weep. With G forefingers near the eyes trace the courses of tears. If excessive, signRainfrom the eyes. (Blackfoot.) ComparePity.Fr.pleurer; Ger.weinen.Cunning,Smart, orClever. Make the sign forWolfand add the signEqual. CompareConsider.Fr.rusé; Ger.schlau.CutCut.Saw the lower edge of the flat right across the palm or edge of the flat left.Fr.couper; Ger.schneiden.Cutting up.SeeMeat.CycloneCycloneorWhirlwind. With flat right hand, back to the right and level with the right shoulder, make a spiral upward. A very small one for a little dust whirlwind, and a large violent one for a dangerous cyclone.Fr.le cyclone; Ger.der Wirbelsturm.
Cache.SeeHide.
Call
Call,Attention!Say!Strike the palm of the open left hand with the tips of right fingers, then swing right G a little toward the person.
Fr.dites donc; Ger.hören Sie!
Called
CalledorNamed. Lay the back of the crooked right Gon lips, pointing to front and left, its tip pressed against the thumb, which is nearly straight; then move the hand upward and forward in a curve, straightening out the index finally with a snap, pointing toward the person or thing. CompareTalkin which the action is repeated. See alsoName.
Fr.appelé; Ger.genannt.
Camera.SignPictureandSee. ComparePhotograph.
Camp
Camp(Set up the lodge). SignTeepee, holding the hands face high; drop the hands together for a foot with energy.
Fr.le camp; Ger.das Lager.
Camp-fire
Camp-fire.Hold left hand flat, palm down, fingers a little spread; then lay right hand fingers similarly held across at right angles, to indicate the wood laid ready, and add the sign forFire. (Sheeaka.) Not a true Indian sign, but sufficiently descriptive for the Cheyennes to understand it.
Fr.le feu de camp; Ger.das Lagerfeuer.
Camp-fire Girls.SignCamp-fire, then raise the right index in a spiral forSmoke.
Camp-fire man are you?Give the signsQuestion,you,camp-fire, andmanor briefly make theCamp-firesign and look inquiringly.
Fr.Êtes vous membre du Camp-fire Club; Ger.Sind Sie ein Mitglied des Lagerfeuer Klubs?
Can
Can,Able, orPower. Hold both S hands in front, elbows at sides, thumbs up; drop the hands for six inches with a jerk. (Sheeaka and the Blackfeet.) Sometimes use only one hand. The Cheyennes signOwn,Strong,Medicine.
Fr.pouvoir; Ger.können.
Candid(True, clear as day and good). SignTrue,Day, andGood. (C)
Fr.sincère; Ger.aufrichtig.
Candle
Candle.Hold up left G finger and with right hand signFireon its tip, then indicate length on left arm.
Fr.la bougie; Ger.die Kerze.
Candy-stick
Candy-stick.SignSugar; then on left G index held upright, show stripes. (C)
Fr.le bonbon; Ger.das Zuckerwerk.
Cannon.SignGunandBig.
Fr.le canon; Ger.die Kanone.
Cannot
Cannot, orUnable,Fail,Failure(The arrow that failed to stick). Hold the flat left hand out in front, thumb edge up; strike the palm of it with the forefinger of the right G hand, which then at once rebounds and is thrown forward and down to rest on its back.
Fr.ne pas pouvoir,incapable; Ger.nicht können,unfähig.
Canoe.SignBoatandPaddle.
Canoe of birch bark
Canoe of birch bark.Push forward compressed right, back down, to represent the curved prow, then addPaddle.
Fr.la pirogue,le canot; Ger.das Kanu, derRindenkahn.
Canyon
Canyon(Between hills). Hold up the fists, palms toward each other, about six inches apart, face high; then indicateGo between; that is, hold the left unchanged but thrust forward the flat right hand, palm to left. (Blackfoot.) CompareBetween.
Fr.le canyon,le grand ravin; Ger.die Schluckt.
Cards.Hold imaginary cards in left and deal with right hand.
Fr.les cartes; Ger.die Karten.
Caribou
Caribou.SignDeer,High, and lay the flat right hand on forehead so the fingers slightly spread point forward, showing thebrow shovel. (Blackfoot.) Sometimes omitHigh.
Fr.le renne,le caribou; Ger.das Karibu.
Carriage
Carriage, orCovered Wagon. SignWagon, then raise the hands, palms down, flat, but bent at an angle, up above the head, and move forward about two feet to represent the carriage top.
CarriageorBuggy. SignWagon,Small, and sometimes addBlack.
Fr.la voiture; Ger.der Wagen.
Carry
CarryorPack. Both closed hands held opposite the temple as if holding the tump line, the shoulders slightly forward as though bearing a pack.
Fr.porter; Ger.tragen.
Carry in the hand.With one hand make as though carrying a basket by the handle.
Cars.SeeRailroad train.
Cartridge
Cartridge.Hold right G hand, back up, in front of body, index horizontal and pointing to front, thumb pressed against side of index, with the thumb tip just back of second joint; addShoot. SeeAmmunition.
Fr.la cartouche; Ger.die Patrone, (artill)die Kartusche.
Cat
Cat(Flattened or turned-up nose). Lay A hand on nose, rotating a little out and up. (C) SignNose,Short,Dog.
Fr.le chat; Ger.die Katze.
Catch.Same asGetbut action quicker. SeeGet.
Fr.attraper; Ger.fangen.
Catholic
Catholic.Indicate gown by sweeping the 5 hands down over the sides and outward; then addBlack. Sometimes make the sign of the Cross.
Fr.catholique; Ger.katholisch.
Cattle.SignBuffaloandSpotted. (Blackfoot.) CompareBuffalo. Or, signBuffaloandWhiteman.
Fr.les bestiaux; Ger.das Vieh.
Caution.SeeWarning.
Cavalry.SoldierandRide.
Fr.la cavalerie; Ger.die Kavallerie.
Centre
Centre.With thumbs and index fingers of L hands make a horizontal circle; then, keeping the left unchanged, indicate centre with right G finger. Sometimes draw a horizontal circle with right G, then drop same down into its centre.
Fr.le centre; Ger.die Mitte.
Certain.SignI,Know,Good. Or useTrue.
Fr.certain; Ger.sicher.
Challenge
Challenge,Defy, orDare. Spring the middle finger with a vigorous snap toward the person, the other fingers closed; hand held face high, back up. A European sign given by Butler. CompareThereandDefiance.
Fr.défier; Ger.herausfordern.
Chance.SeeLuck.
Character
Character(Shape of heart). Lay right C hand on heart, draw it out, that is, forward, a little and with both A hands outline a human figure. (D) SignHeart,Good,Bad. (Blackfoot.)
Fr.le caractère; Ger.der Charakter.
Charge
Charge(Military, against others). Swing both fists from right shoulder forward and a little down in an up curve, away, rising a little, at the same time springing them open.
Fr.la charge(contre les autres); Ger.die Attacke,der Angriff(gegen andere).
Charge
Charge(Military, against us). Similar but reversed, springing the hands open toward one’s face.
Fr.la charge(contre nous); Ger.die Attacke(gegen uns).
Chase.SeeFollow.
Cherries(Choke). Sign,Tree,Pick, andPound. (Blackfoot.) SeeBerry.
Fr.les cerises; Ger.die Kirschen.
Cheyenne.SeeIndian.
Chicken
Chicken.SignBird, thenRedand with 5 hand on crown showComb. (C) Or signBirdandWhiteman.
Fr.le poulet; Ger.das Huhn.
Chief
Chief(People with one man rising above them). Hold up left 5 hand, palm to right, pass index of right G hand at several inches above left. (Scott.) The Cheyennes omit left hand; they shoot the right G up over and much down in a long sweep, finishing lower than it began.
Fr.le commandant; Ger.der Häuptling.
ChildorOffspring. Compressed right hand, points up, swung well out in front and dropped a foot to the height of the child. CompareYoung.
Fr.l’enfant; Ger.das Kind.
Children
Children(Springing up). Hold out both hands, palms up, very low, fingers pointing up and scarcely spread; alternately swing them up and down for six inches. CompareGrass, in which they are held low and are spread widely; alsoBushes.
Fr.les enfants; Ger.die Kinder.
Choose
Choose,Make choice, orSelect. Hold right G shoulder high, back up, a foot in front of the breast, swing it in acircle with a succession of little bounds or up curves, as though pointing at many different objects in succession, the head turned to follow always; then finish by throwing the G finger forward in a curve; or, in some cases, finish by picking up the imaginary object selected, using index and thumb for this. CompareFind,Hunting, andLook.
Fr.choisir; Ger.wählen.
Chop
Chop.Use the flat right hand, little finger down, as an axe, chopping first from right, then from left, once on each side. Sometimes do this on back of left hand, which stands for the log. CompareFree, which is two or three cuts on right side only.
Fr.couper,trancher; Ger.hauen,hacken.
Christmas(The day of the shining tree). SignTree, then hold hand with fingers spread and crooked, palm down, level of face. Lower it six inches in short, quick zigzags to suggest glittering or shimmering. (W. C. Roe.) InSnowthe hand is lowered in long zigzags for about two feet. SeeShimmer. Or signMiddle,Winter,Tree, andHanging; for the last, hold the curved 5 hands, backs up, at level of the eyes; jerk them a little apart. (R. B.)
Fr.le Noël; Ger.Weihnachten.
Church
Church(Steeple house). Cross clasp the fingers so the tips are within, then raise both index fingers to form the steeple. (Pop.)
Church.SignMedicine,Talk,House.
Fr.l’église; Ger.die Kirche.
Cigarette
Cigarette.SignTobacco; then lay G fingers side by side pointing opposite ways; roll one about the other. Sometimes omitTobacco; sometimes giveCigar(2nd sign) andLittle.
Fr.la cigarette; Ger.die Zigarette.
Cigar(2). SignCigarette,Black, andSmoking. Sometimes hold right G at corner of mouth, pointing forward.CigarandCigaretteare recent signs and changing rapidly.
Fr.le cigare; Ger.die Zigarre.
City(Big town). Make sign forTown, then add sign forBig. Or omitBigbut swing the hands far apart.
Fr.la ville; Ger.die Stadt.
Cities.Many are indicated by their initial letter enhanced with twisting motion. (D) For some we may use their nickname but this is merely a suggestion.
Boston(The Hub). Sign forCityandCentre.Chicago(Windy City). Sign forCityandWind. The Cheyennes call itBig Lake City.Kansas City(Buffalo Head City). SignBuffalo Headand point up high to the wall. (Cheyenne.)London.SignCity,Chief, andRed Coats.New York(Knickerbocker City). Sign forCityand trousers cut off below the knee; i.e., draw flat of hand down over thigh then below knee and stop, turning edge of hand in. Or signBig Island City. (Blackfoot.)Ottawa.SignCity,Chief, andCapotes.PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia(Quaker City). SignCity, then make sign for broad hat with rim curled up by drawing both index fingers across mid-brow, level in front, then twisting them up at the place of the rim. Or “no name, justBig City, nothing distinctive.” (Blackfoot.)Pittsburg(Smoky City). Sign forCityandSmoky.Rome(Eternal City). SignCityandForever.Washington.SignFather,Chief,Sits. (Cheyenne.)
Boston(The Hub). Sign forCityandCentre.
Chicago(Windy City). Sign forCityandWind. The Cheyennes call itBig Lake City.
Kansas City(Buffalo Head City). SignBuffalo Headand point up high to the wall. (Cheyenne.)
London.SignCity,Chief, andRed Coats.
New York(Knickerbocker City). Sign forCityand trousers cut off below the knee; i.e., draw flat of hand down over thigh then below knee and stop, turning edge of hand in. Or signBig Island City. (Blackfoot.)
Ottawa.SignCity,Chief, andCapotes.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia(Quaker City). SignCity, then make sign for broad hat with rim curled up by drawing both index fingers across mid-brow, level in front, then twisting them up at the place of the rim. Or “no name, justBig City, nothing distinctive.” (Blackfoot.)
Pittsburg(Smoky City). Sign forCityandSmoky.
Rome(Eternal City). SignCityandForever.
Washington.SignFather,Chief,Sits. (Cheyenne.)
Clean-handed
Clean-handedorInnocent(Great Spirit see no blood on these hands). Lift hands over shoulder, palms up higher than head and addBlood,No. (C) Or, signWork,Bad,No.
Fr.innocent; Ger.unschuldig.
Clear(Clear Sky). SignClouds, then swing the hands wide apart, finishing with palms up at arm’s length, up high. Or, signClouds,Wiped out. (Blackfoot.)
Clever.SeeCunning.
Close
Close,Near,Nearly,Soon,Early,About, orAlmost(Draw near). Bring the flat curved right hand, back to right, well out in front of body, about height of shoulder; draw the hand in toward the body and slightly downward. CompareFar. See alsoSoon.
Fr.près,presque; Ger.nahe,beinahe.
Clothes.SeeCoat.
Clouds
Clouds(Rolling). Rotate the flat hands over each other from in front of the face, to over the head.
Clouds
Clouds(Rain). Look upward, swing the flat hands at arm’s length, palms down over the head; then addRain.
Fr.les nuages; Ger.die Wolken.
Coal.SignHard,Fire, andGood.
Fr.le charbon; Ger.die Kohle.
Coat
CoatorClothes. Hold the L hands near the breast, palms in; swing them down to the waist.
Fr.l’habit; Ger.der Rock.
Coffee
Coffee(Grinding coffee in mill). A few inches over the flat left hand, back down, move the right A as though turning the crank of a coffee mill. Or, signBlack Drink. CompareTobacco.
Fr.le café; Ger.der Kaffee.
Coin.Close hollow right over hollowed left and shake as tho jingling coin. (Sheeaka; not Indian, but now understood.) SeeDollar.
Fr.la pièce d’argent; Ger.die Münze.
Cold
Cold(Shivering). Bring the fists in front of and close to body, height of shoulder, elbows at sides, shoulders drawn in, and shiver. SeeWinter. CompareBlanket.
Fr.froid; Ger.kalt.
Color
Color.With the finger tips of right hand (thumb crooked under) rub circularly on the palm of left hand as though rubbing color. Often addSameorEqual, to make more clear.
Fr.la couleur; Ger.die Farbe.
Black.SignColorand touch the hair or eyebrow.Fr.noir; Ger.schwarz.Blue.SignSunwith left hand and then draw the right G finger around it to mean color of sky around the sun. (Sheeaka). Or, signColorandSky.Fr.bleu; Ger.blau.Brown.SignColorandDeer.Fr.brun; Ger.braun.Gray.SignColor,Little, andWhite.Fr.gris; Ger.grau.Green.SignColorandGrass.Fr.vert; Ger.grün.Red(Cheek color). SignColorand lightly brush the right finger tips over the cheek, points to right.Fr.rouge; Ger.rot.White.SignColorand rub thumb nail of left A hand with tip of right G finger; i.e., nail color, white in Indians.Fr.blanc; Ger.weiss.Yellow.SignColorand point to any yellow object, such as a straw or dead grass. Or signColor,Grass, andDead.Fr.jaune; Ger.gelb.For other colors, touch or indicate some object of the tint meant.
Black.SignColorand touch the hair or eyebrow.
Fr.noir; Ger.schwarz.
Blue.SignSunwith left hand and then draw the right G finger around it to mean color of sky around the sun. (Sheeaka). Or, signColorandSky.
Fr.bleu; Ger.blau.
Brown.SignColorandDeer.
Fr.brun; Ger.braun.
Gray.SignColor,Little, andWhite.
Fr.gris; Ger.grau.
Green.SignColorandGrass.
Fr.vert; Ger.grün.
Red(Cheek color). SignColorand lightly brush the right finger tips over the cheek, points to right.
Fr.rouge; Ger.rot.
White.SignColorand rub thumb nail of left A hand with tip of right G finger; i.e., nail color, white in Indians.
Fr.blanc; Ger.weiss.
Yellow.SignColorand point to any yellow object, such as a straw or dead grass. Or signColor,Grass, andDead.
Fr.jaune; Ger.gelb.
For other colors, touch or indicate some object of the tint meant.
Comb
Comb.With all fingers of right 5 hand hooked, comb the right side of the head and down as far as the breast two or three times. CompareWoman.
Fr.le peigne; Ger.der Kamm.
Combat.SeeBattle.
Come
Come. Carry right G hand, back out, fingers up, in a graceful sweep from arm’s length to within a foot of one’s face. Many use the flat hand swung down and to you, palm under and toward you. Railroad men use the whole arm, swinging it across the body at an angle of 45 degrees, so as to be seen in a dim light.
Fr.venez; Ger.kommen Sie.
Come back. Hold flat left, back forward, near breast; swing right ditto pointed up from arm’s length in against back of left. SeeArrive here.
Fr.revenez; Ger.kommen Sie zurück.
Come between
Come betweenorIntervene. Hold out left hand flat, back out, at arm’s length and pass flat right, thumb up, between left and body.
Fr.s’interposer, intervenir; Ger.dazwischen kommen.
Come gently.SeeEasy.
Come for a moment
Come for a moment.Right hand held forward and up, fingers closed except index, with which beckon by crooking and straightening, the hand not moved. (Pop.) White sign, now fully adopted by the Cheyennes.
Fr.venez une seconde; Ger.kommen Sie einen Augenblick her.
Come into view
Come into vieworAppear. Hold out flat left hand, back forward, thrust right G index up, farther off, under and behind, until it appears above.
Fr.paraître; Ger.erscheinen.
Comfort
Comfort(See how smooth or fat). Draw flat right hand, palm in, down breast, then off and up in curve forward, palm up. (Sheeaka.) CompareConfess. Sometimes useGlad. (Blackfoot.)
Fr.le bien-être; Ger.die Behaglichkeit.
Comfortable
Comfortable.Alternately rub left palm over back of right hand, then right over left back, always palm up; then swing both forward. (Sheeaka. Probably from Deaf.)
Fr.confortable; Ger.gemütlich.
Coming.Hold out the flat right, palm to you and pointing nearly up; draw it to you in little jerks.
Fr.venant; Ger.kommend.
Coming man.SeeRising man.
Commence.SeeBegin.
Compass points.
North—Wind cold there.Fr.le nord; Ger.der Norden.East—Sunrise there.Fr.l’est; Ger.der Osten.South—Wind warm there.Fr.le sud; Ger.der Süden.West—Sunset there.Fr.l’ouest; Ger.der Westen.
North—Wind cold there.
Fr.le nord; Ger.der Norden.
East—Sunrise there.
Fr.l’est; Ger.der Osten.
South—Wind warm there.
Fr.le sud; Ger.der Süden.
West—Sunset there.
Fr.l’ouest; Ger.der Westen.
Complete.SeeDone.
Comparative, etc., ofAdjectives.
ForPositive, give first the adjective then swing the flat right hand out a little, level, palm up. (Sheeaka.)ForComparative, give first the adjective then raise the right G hand to the height of the chin, pointing up. (Sheeaka.) SeeMore, and sometimes useAheadorAboveafter the adjective.Fr.le comparatif; Ger.der Komparativ.ForSuperlative, give first the adjective then addStrongandAheadorVery much.Fr.le superlatif; Ger.der Superlativ.
ForPositive, give first the adjective then swing the flat right hand out a little, level, palm up. (Sheeaka.)
ForComparative, give first the adjective then raise the right G hand to the height of the chin, pointing up. (Sheeaka.) SeeMore, and sometimes useAheadorAboveafter the adjective.
Fr.le comparatif; Ger.der Komparativ.
ForSuperlative, give first the adjective then addStrongandAheadorVery much.
Fr.le superlatif; Ger.der Superlativ.
Conceal.SeeHide.
Conceit
Conceit(Swelled Head). Hold hands open and curved, one on each side of the head, two or three inches away. A whiteman’s sign, but quite well known now to the younger generation of Indians.
If in unbelievable degree, stretch the right hand at full length sidewise, and work the first finger as though scratching the ear which is supposed to be just above the hand. (Pop.)
Conceit.SignHe,Think,Strong.
Fr.la vanité,la présomption; Ger.die Einbildung,der Dünkel.
Conduct.Same asWay.
Confess
Confess(Show the heart). Lay points of both compressed hands on centre of breast, then spring them away, out and aside, turning them flat and palms up. Sometimes but one hand is used. I am inclined tothink that this should be simplyHeartandBehold, although none of my Indians made it that way. Sometimes signYou,Tell,True.
Fr.confesser; Ger.gestehen.
Congress.SignWhiteman,Chief,Council(No. 2).
Fr.le Congrès; Ger.der Kongresz.
Connivance(Wink, that is, close one eye). This ancient sign assumes that the person who should see, closes the eye next his accomplice. (Pop. Also Cheyenne.)
Fr.la connivence; Ger.die Konnivenz,das (strafbare) Einverständnis.
Consider
Consider,Ponder, orWeigh(Wisdom looking on the ground). SignWolf(i.e.,wisdom, analogous with our word “foxy”), then turn downward the points of the two fingers representing the wolf ears, back of hand near the eyes and moving the hand from right to left as in surveying the ground. (Scott.)
Consider
Consider.Hold the right “4” hand near the heart, pointing to left, rotate a little back and forth. (Blackfoot.)The Cheyennes use V hand, which makes it the same asIf. SeeBecause.
Fr.considérer; Ger.erwägen.
Constable.SeePoliceman.
Contempt.SeeScorn.
Contented.To make contented, Satisfied.UseGladorSit,Good. (Blackfoot.)
Fr.content; Ger.zufrieden.
Continue.SignGoandLong Time. (Blackfoot.)
Fr.continuer; Ger.fortsetzen.
Conversation.SeeDiscussion,Speech, andTalk.
Cook(In the abstract). SeeMakeandFood.
Fr.faire cuire,cuisiner; Ger.kochen.
Cook
Cook(By boiling). With both L hands make a horizontal circle, then holding left unchanged, put something into it with right and addFire. CompareCentreandHole.
Fr.cuire,bouillir; Ger.kochen.
Cook
Cook(By frying). Place flat right on flat left hand, palm to palm, then flip the right like a pancake, turning it palm up as it drops on the left.
Cook(By broiling). As in the aboveFrying, but leave out the left hand entirely.
Fr.griller; Ger.braten,rösten.
Cook(noun). SignMan,Makes,Food.
Fr.le cuisinier; Ger.der Koch.
Coon.SeeRaccoon.
Corn
Corn(Shelling the corn). Hold out the left A hand, thumb straight and resting on index finger; place the ball of the thumb of right A hand on back of left thumb near its base; twist the right hand by wrist action to the right and downward until the right thumb slips off with a snap against the right index. Repeat once or twice.
Fr.le maïs; Ger.der türkische Weizen, derMais.
Corral
CorralorFenced FieldorPasture(Area embraced or held). Interlock the fingers, hold arms curved infront, horizontal; then addEnclosure, i.e., swing the hands apart and draw back each in a half circle till their heels meet near you.
Fr.le corral; Ger.die Einzäunung.
Council
Council(Sitting in a circle and talking). Bring the A hands, back outward, well out in front of body, a little lower than the shoulders, little fingers touching; swing them apart and toward the body so they meet close to it, forming a horizontal circle; palms forward; then addDiscussion.
Council(2). Exactly likeAcross, but repeated two or three times. This is a recent sign among the Cheyennes, but is becoming popular. SeeAcrossandLaw.
Fr.le conseil; Ger.die Ratsversammlung.
CounselorAdvice. SeeAdvice.
Counting.SeeNumbers.
Count coup
Count couporMake a hitor aStrike(Striking a dead body with the coup stick). Strike the top joint of the right G index on the middle of the left G index, as the right is swung from below up.Grand CoupsignCoupandGreat.
Fr.le coup; Ger.der Treffschusz.
Country.SeeLand.
Coup.SeeCount coup.
Courting
Courting(Driving or rounding up in secret). Thrust the right L hand back nearly up under flat left, heldpalm down, twisting the right by wrist action. CompareSweetheartandGlitter.
Fr.faire la cour; Ger.das Cour machen,das Hof machen.
Coward.SeeFear.
Coyote.SignWolfandSmall.
Fr.le coyote,le loup des prairies; Ger.der Präriewolf.
Crab
Crab.Place base of wrist of right hand, palm down, on some flat surface, thumb and little finger extended and curved (others closed) to represent claws. Then move the hand sidewise backward, waving the claws. (Scott.) CompareSpider.
Fr.le crabe; Ger.die Krabbe.
Crave.SeeWant.
Crayfish.Hold out the V hand level; draw it back, opening and shutting the V. CompareDog.
Fr.l’écrevisse; Ger.der Krebs.
Crazy
Crazy,Foolish,Mad,Demented(Brain in a whirl). Raise compressed right hand, all fingers together, tap the forehead with it and make one or two quick circles with finger tips in the air. (Sheeaka.) Tap the forehead, shake the head and point to the person. (Pop.)
Crazy.Swing the 5 hand in horizontal circles near the forehead, going with the sun. Going the reverse way always raises a laugh among Cheyennes; it both intensifies and makes the idea ridiculous.
Fr.fou; Ger.verrückt.
Cree.SeeIndian.
Creek
Creek,Brook, orRill. SignWater, then draw right G hand, back up, held low, from opposite left side, past body to right side; finger level, pointing to left and waved sidewise. CompareRiver,Snake,Crooked, andWire.
Fr.le ruisseau; Ger.der Bach.
CrimeorSin. SignStrong,Bad,Work.
Fr.le crime; Ger.das Verbrechen.
Crooked
CrookedorWrong. Point the right G forward and slightly down; push it slowly forward in a succession of large, horizontal zigzags, each arched a little.
Cross
CrossorSulky. Rest the forehead low on the left hand. Or signHeart,Bad.
Fr.maussade; Ger.mürrisch.
Cross
Cross(of Christ). Hold right G upright, left G at right angles across last joint of right.
Fr.le crucifix; Ger.das Kruzifix.
Cross.SeeAcross.
Cross the heart.With right index make a little cross over the heart. This means “I give you my word of honor.” (Pop.)
Fr.parole d’honneur!; Ger.auf mein Ehrenwort!
Crow.SignBirdandBlack.
Fr.la corneille; Ger.die Krähe.
Crowded.SeeFew.
Crow Indian.SeeIndian.
Crush.SeeExterminate.
Cry out.SeeYell.
Cry
Cry,To weep. With G forefingers near the eyes trace the courses of tears. If excessive, signRainfrom the eyes. (Blackfoot.) ComparePity.
Fr.pleurer; Ger.weinen.
Cunning,Smart, orClever. Make the sign forWolfand add the signEqual. CompareConsider.
Fr.rusé; Ger.schlau.
Cut
Cut.Saw the lower edge of the flat right across the palm or edge of the flat left.
Fr.couper; Ger.schneiden.
Cutting up.SeeMeat.
Cyclone
CycloneorWhirlwind. With flat right hand, back to the right and level with the right shoulder, make a spiral upward. A very small one for a little dust whirlwind, and a large violent one for a dangerous cyclone.
Fr.le cyclone; Ger.der Wirbelsturm.