signing

Etymology

noun

1. The act of concluding a contract, especially by an athlete or entertainer with a company.
   In basketball signings, Maryland added depth to its frontcourt by signing 6-foot-9 forward-center Joe Smith of Maury High in Norfolk […] November 12 1992, Frank Hughes, “Prep Baseball Stars Lambert, Yankosky Take Spotlight With Early Signings”, in Washington Post, page B5
2. (by extension) A player signed by a sporting organization.
   Early goals from summer signings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos proved enough to give Arsenal a narrow win over Olympiakos. September 28, 2011, Tom Rostance, “Arsenal 2 - 1 Olympiakos”, in BBC Sport
3. An event (signing session) in a bookshop etc. where an author signs copies of his or her book.
4. The use of sign language; skill at using a sign language.

verb

1. present participle and gerund of sign