Dictionary entry

Zigzag

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Zig″zag′ (?), n. [F. zigzag, G. zickzack, from zacke, zacken, a dentil, tooth. Cf. Tack a small nail.]

1. Something that has short turns or angles.

The fanatics going straight forward and openly, the politicians by the surer mode of zigzag. Burke.

2. (Arch.) A molding running in a zigzag line; a chevron, or series of chevrons. See Illust. of Chevron, 3.

3. (Fort.) See Boyau.