\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.

\Sig"nal\, a. [From signal, n.: cf. F. signal['e].]
1. Noticeable; distinguished from what is ordinary; eminent;
   remarkable; memorable; as, a signal exploit; a signal
   service; a signal act of benevolence.

         As signal now in low, dejected state As erst in
         highest, behold him where he lies.    --Milton.

2. Of or pertaining to signals, or the use of signals in
   conveying information; as, a signal flag or officer.

{The signal service}, a bureau of the government (in the
   United States connected with the War Department) organized
   to collect from the whole country simultaneous raports of
   local meteorological conditions, upon comparison of which
   at the central office, predictions concerning the weather
   are telegraphed to various sections, where they are made
   known by signals publicly displayed.

{Signal station}, the place where a signal is displayed;
   specifically, an observation office of the signal service.

Syn: Eminent; remarkable; memorable; extraordinary; notable;
     conspicuous.

\Sig"nal\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Signaled or Signalled};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Signaling} or {Signalling}.]
1. To communicate by signals; as, to signal orders.

2. To notify by a signals; to make a signal or signals to;
   as, to signal a fleet to anchor. --M. Arnold.