Reciprocate

v. i. [imp. & p. p. RECIPROCATED; p. pr. & vb. n. RECIPROCATING.] [Lat. reciprocare, reciprocatum, It. reciprocāre, Sp. reciprocar, Fr. réciproquer. See RECIPROCAL.] To act interchangeably; to alternate.

One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, And draws and blows reciprocating air. Dryden.

v. t. To give and return mutually; to make return for; to requite; to interchange; as to reciprocate favors.

Reciprocating motion (Mech.), motion alternately backward and forward, or up and down, as of a piston rod.