Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Shrug?

\Shrug\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Shrugged}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shrugging}.] [Probably akin to shrink, p. p. shrunk; cf. Dan. skrugge, skrukke, to stoop, dial. Sw. skrukka, skruga, to crouch.] To draw up or contract (the shoulders), especially by way of expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like. He shrugs his shoulders when you talk of securities. --Addison.
\Shrug\, v. i. To raise or draw up the shoulders, as in expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like. They grin, they shrug. They bow, they snarl, they snatch, they hug. --Swift.
\Shrug\, n. A drawing up of the shoulders, -- a motion usually expressing dislike, dread, or doubt. The Spaniards talk in dialogues Of heads and shoulders, nods and shrugs. --Hudibras.