Re*cip"ro*cate (-kāt), v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Reciprocated (-
kā`tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n.
Reciprocating.] [L. reciprocatus, p. p. of
reciprocare. See Reciprocal.] To move forward and
backward alternately; to recur in vicissitude; to act interchangeably;
to alternate.
One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies,
And draws and blows reciprocating air.
Dryden.
Reciprocating engine, a steam, air, or gas
engine, etc., in which the piston moves back and forth; -- in
distinction from a rotary engine, in which the piston travels
continuously in one direction in a circular path. --
Reciprocating motion (Mech.), motion
alternately backward and forward, or up and down, as of a piston
rod.
Re*cip"ro*cate, v. t. To give and
return mutually; to make return for; to give in return; to
interchange; to alternate; as, to reciprocate favors.
Cowper.