Re*cip"ro*cate (-kāt), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Reciprocated (- kā`t&ebreve;d); 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.