v. beck·oned, beck·on·ing, beck·ons v.tr. 1. To signal or summon, as by nodding or waving. 2. To attract because of an inviting or enticing appearance: "a lovely, sunny country that seemed to beckon them on to the Emerald City" (L. Frank Baum). v.intr. 1. To make a signaling or summoning gesture. 2. To be inviting or enticing. n. A gesture of summons. [Middle English bekenen, from Old English bīecnan, bēcnan; see bhā-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] beckon·er n. beckon·ing·ly adv. |
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