mudra

Noun

mudra (plural mudras)

1. Any of several formal symbolic hand postures used in classical dance of India and in Hindu and Buddhist iconography.
   • The king of creation would not have curved his palm into the likeness of a Hindu mudra in an attempt to protect the tiny launching pad on his thumbnail from the dank wind.1996 [1994], Andrew Bromfield, Crystal World, translation of original by Victor Pelevin
   • For the next few minutes, the audience had sat mesmerized as the sisters performed, fingertips joining and parting in mudras, eyebrows quivering.2023, Santanu Bhattacharya, One Small Voice, Fig Tree, page 109
2. (Hinduism) Any of the formal body positions and postures used in yoga and meditation.
   • The Kechari Mudra is accomplished by thrusting the tongue into the gullet, by turning it over itself, and keeping the eyesight in the middle.1915 [14th century], Pancham Sinh., Hatha Yoga Pradipika, translation of original by Swami Swatmarama