Meaning of dumb show | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A performance during which the players do not speak; mime.
   countable, uncountable
2. The use of gesture in an attempt to convey meaning.
   countable, uncountable

Examples

“O it offends mee to the Soule, to ſee a robuſtious Pery-wig-pated Fellow, teare a Paſſion to tatters, to verie ragges, to ſplit the eares of the Groundlings: who (for the moſt part) are capeable of nothing, but inexplicable dumbe ſhewes, & noiſe: […]”

“The expression “literary and artistic works” shall include⟳ every production in the literary, scientific and artistic domain, whatever may be the mode or form⟳ of its expression, such as books, pamphlets and other writings; lectures, addresses, sermons and other works of the same nature; dramatic or dramaticomusical works; choreographic works and entertainments in dumb show⟳; […]”

“The move⟳ is obviously pure piffle: a dumbshow designed to placate (or at least entertain) the conservative base⟳ while distracting and antagonising rivals.”

CEFR level