Scanning his rota, unimpressed gendarme initially gives characteristic gesture? (5)
I believe the answer is:
shrug
'characteristic gesture?' is the definition.
'shrug' can be an answer for 'gesture?' (I know that shrug is a type of gesture). I am not certain of the 'characteristic' bit.
'scanning his rota unimpressed gendarme initially' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
The first letters of 'scanning his rota unimpressed gendarme' is 'SHRUG'.
'gives' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for shrug that I've seen before include "Expression of indifference" , "indifferent response" , "Shoulder gesture" , "women's wear" , "Body language indicating indifference or resignation" .)