Dictionary entry

Signal

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Sig″nal (?), n. [F., fr. LL. signale, fr. L. signum. See Sign, n.] 1. A sign made for the purpose of giving notice to a person of some occurence, command, or danger; also, a sign, event, or watchword, which has been agreed upon as the occasion of concerted action.

All obeyed

The wonted signal and superior voice

Of this great potentate. Milton.

2. A token; an indication; a foreshadowing; a sign.

The weary sun...

Gives signal of a goodly day to-morrow. Shak.

There was not the least signal of the calamity to be seen. De Foc.