GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 3 definitions
-
Shrug (shrŭg), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shrugged (shrŭgd); p. pr. & vb. n. Shrugging (shrŭgˈgĭng).] [Probably akin to shrink, p. p. shrunk; cf. Dan. skrugge, skrukke, to stoop, dial. Sw. skrukka, skruga, to crouch.] To draw up or contract (the shoulders), especially by way of expressing doubt, indifference, dislike, dread, or the like.
[1913 Webster]
He shrugs his shoulders when you talk of securities. Addison.
[1913 Webster]
-
Shrug, v. i. To raise or draw up the shoulders, as in expressing doubt, indifference, dislike, dread, or the like.
[1913 Webster]
They grin, they shrug.
They bow, they snarl, they snatch, they hug. Swift.
[1913 Webster]
-
shrug, n. A gesture consisting of drawing up the shoulders, -- a motion usually expressing doubt, indifference, or dislike; -- it is sometimes accompanied by a slight turning of the hands outward or upward. Such a gesture may be made, as in answering "who knows" to a question, suggesting utter ignorance of an answer and a disinclination to pursue the topic further.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
On Sept. 23, in a major speech in New York, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commision, Arthur Levitt asked the Big Board to spike the rule [Rule 390] in the interest of free and unfettered markets. . . .
Mr. Grasso responded with a shrug, saying that he had no plans to kill the rule. Gretchen Morgenson (N. Y. Times Nov. 28, 1999 sect. 3 p. 1.
[PJC]
The Spaniards talk in dialogues
Of heads and shoulders, nods and shrugs. Hudibras.
[1913 Webster]