Action [in Orators]

Action [in Orators]

some give Directions.

1. To hold out the Hand when you speak of begging, up when you speak of praying.

2. To beat down the Hand when Anger is spoken of or display’d.

3. To clap the Hands together in speaking of any thing that is wonderful.

4. To open one or both Hands when you would make any thing plain.

5. To draw the Arms back close to the Sides when any Thing is requested.

6. To put forth the Fore-finger in demonstrating.

7. To turn down the first Finger in urging.

8. To put up the same for threatening.

9. To put out the middle Finger for reproaching.

10. To touch the Left Thumb with the Index of the Right Hand, in reasoning and disputing.

11. To touch a Finger with the other Hand in distinguishing and numbering.

12. To bring the Hand towards one in speaking of himself.

13. To move the Hand towards the Head in speaking of Understanding; towards the Breast when speaking of the Will, Soul or Affection.

14. To fold the Arms when Sadness is imitated.

Definition taken from The Universal Etymological English Dictionary, edited by Nathan Bailey (1736)