Signal

n. [Fr. signal, Sp. señal, Pg. sinal, It. segnale, L. Lat. signale, from Lat. signum. See SIGN.]

1Sense 1. A sign which has been agreed upon to give notice of some occurrence, command, or danger, to a person at a distance; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon, as the occasion of concerted action.

All obeyed The wonted signal. Milton.

2Sense 2. Hence, a token; an indication; a foreshadowing. “The weary sun . . . gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow.” Shak.

Signal-post, or signal-staff, a pole or mast upon which a flag or any thing else may be displayed for the purpose of conveying signals.

a. [From the noun; It. segnalato, Sp. señalado, Pg. sinalado, Fr. signale.] Distinguished from what is ordinary; eminent; remarkable; memorable; as, a signal exploit; a signal service; a signal act of benevolence.

As signal now in low, dejected state, As erst in highest, behold him where he lies. Milton.

Synonyms— Eminent; remarkable; memorable; extraordinary; notable; conspicuous.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. SIGNALED; p. pr. & vb. n. SIGNALING.] To communicate by signals; as, to signal intelligence.