bring the end of the forefinger of the other hand up to the corner of the mouth and draw it back a little way as if following the mouth in a smile; bring the hand away and down, somewhat "tandem" to the other, then throw the hands, with the forefingers and little fingers pointing, toward the imaginary object or person; repeat the last part of the sign several times. VI, 132.
Praise, Commend, Congratulate, Express approbation, etc.—Extend left open hand out in front, palm up; and clap it with the open right. The sign for "good" sometimes precedes the sign.
Glory.—Make similar sign as for "praise," then draw the right hand away and upward from the left, the while working the fingers (of the right only) up and down as if they were throwing off scintillating beams of light.
Can, indicating Ability, Power.—Extend "S" hands forward from the sides, thumb ends up with elbows against sides; bring both hands down with a jerking motion.
The sign for "strong" is very similar. The difference lies in the way the hands are moved. For "strength" they are moved somewhat sidewise with a slight circular motion.
Can't.—Extend forefinger of left "G" hand and strike it crosswise with a downward stroke of the forefinger of right "G" hand, carrying the right hand beyond as if cutting off left. I, 4. Or, "can" and "not."
Note.—The first is colloquial and more commonly used.
Try.—Hands in same position as for "can" ("S" hands extended from sides) then push them forward. VII, 133.
See, Sight.—Straddle nose with "V" hand held parallel to it, placing the ends of fingers under the eye; push the hand away so the ends of the fingers will follow a straight line from the eyes. IV, 53.
Look, Observe.—Hands in same position as for "see;" bring the hand away, turning the fingers so that the ends point toward the object. IV, 54.
Appear, Seem, Look like.—Bring the open right hand up in front toward one side with the thumb edge toward self; turn the hand so as to present the palm toward self and fix the eyes upon it. VII, 134.
Write.—Imitate motion of writing with right hand on left extended palm.
