Wĭnk1, v. i.
v. i. [imp. & p. p. WINKED (wĭŋkt); p. pr. & vb. n. WINKING.] [A-S. wincian, Sw. vinka, Dan. vinke, D. winken, wenken, N. H. Ger. winken, O. H. Ger. winchian, winchan.]
Sense 1. To shut the eyes quickly; to close the eyelids with a quick motion.
I had rather wink than look on them. Shak.
And I will wink, so shall the day seem night. Shak.
They are not blind, but they wink. Tillotson.
Sense 2. To close and open the eyelids quickly; to nictate; to blink.
Sense 3. To give a hint by a motion of the eyelids.
Wink at the footman to leave him without a plate. Swift.
Sense 4. To shut the eyes purposely for the sake of not seeing any thing, or as if not seeing; to connive at any thing; to be tolerant; to avoid taking notice; — generally with at.
And yet, as though he knew it not, His knowledge winks, and lets his humors reign. Herbert.
Obstinacy can not be winked at, but must be subdued. Locke.
Sense 5. To be dim and flicker; as, a winking light.