Going backward and forward; alternating in direction or in action; reciprocating: opposed to rotatory.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adj. moving alternately backward and forward
adj. given or done or owed to each other
Word Usage
"The motion is similar, not being continuously revolving, but reciprocatory, and the method is customary in all the rice-eating regions except India, and is well known in parts of the latter, though not universal."