Wigwag

The wig-wag [an instrument measuring solar radiation] utilizes the principle that the gaseous phase of a volatile liquid expands as a result of the conversion of radiant energy to sensible heat. It requires only a reading of the count at whatever interval the observer chooses.

The most common failure on the older models [of washing machines] was a $12 part called a "wig-wag" – that's right, a "wig-wag" – it was a simple part that kept the washer washing and could be replaced in five minutes or less.

Boy Scouts and others interested in visual signaling can practice indoors with this miniature wigwag sender.

Beautiful tails, O, beautiful tails, / Thy gentle wigwag is joyous and queer; / How to our hearts thy switchery tells / Tails of the past ever dear.

We saw the daw get on the back of the sow. The tail of the sow went wig, wag, wig, wag, and all the daw did was Caw, caw, caw, caw.

I wish people were less bound by custom in small matters,—like taking off hats, observing certain forms, and following certain fashions. It is ridiculous that the whole tribe must all do alike, or perish! Simon says up; Simon says down; Simon says wigwag; all wigwag! But not without Simon says so, or there'll be a forfeit. It is very well to play a play once in a while; but as for making life one everlasting game of wigwag, I don't believe in it.

"It is the Festa della Madonna dei Capri—the Feast of Our Lady of the Goats. We have it every single year. Everybody is out!" […] The goats, fairly strutting with pride, however, are the most ludicrous members of these amazing cavalcades, for they have bouquets attached with wire and toothpicks to twisted horns and even to their sub-tails, which wigwag signals as they bob along with arched necks.

Environmental and health risks wigwagged by Rachel Carson and Jacques-Yves Cousteau led to the National Environmental Policy Act.