Physiognomy
[,fɪzɪ'ɒ(g)nəmɪ] or ['fɪzɪ'ɑnəmi]
Definition
(n.) The art and science of discovering the predominant temper, and other characteristic qualities of the mind, by the outward appearance, especially by the features of the face.
(n.) The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.
(n.) The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
(n.) The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.
Inputed by Bertha
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Face, countenance, PHIZ, visage, cast of countenance, expression of countenance.
Checked by Hugo
Definition
n. the art of judging the qualities of a character from the external appearance especially from the countenance: expression of countenance: the face as an index of the mind: the general appearance of anything.—adjs. Physiognom′ic -al.—adv. Physiognom′ically.—n.sing. Physiognom′ics (same as Physiognomy).—n. Physiog′nomist.
Inputed by Jeff
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. The art of determining the character of another by the resemblances and differences between his face and our own which is the standard of excellence.
Edited by Edith
Examples
- What my aunt saw, or did not see, I defy the science of physiognomy to have made out, without her own consent. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- This address caused a considerable change in the physiognomy of my auditor. Mary Shelley. Frankenstein_Or_The Modern Prometheus.
- We know your skill in physiognomy; use it now. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- One of these is a respectably-dressed mulatto woman between forty and fifty, with soft eyes and a gentle and pleasing physiognomy. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- It is odd that the doll should resemble her mother feature by feature, as Rose resembles her father, and yet the physiognomy--how different! Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Mrs Boffin (of whose physiognomy I can never speak with the composure I would desire to preserve), and your mother, are not on terms of intimacy. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- The striking points in his appearance were his buff waistcoat, short-clipped blond hair, and neutral physiognomy. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- The lad's smile gave wondrous transparency to his physiognomy. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- But I liked his physiognomy even less than before: it struck me as being at the same time unsettled and inanimate. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- We get the fonder of our houses if they have a physiognomy of their own, as our friends have. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I watched you and saw a passionate ardour for triumph in your physiognomy. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- It is a physiognomy seen in all vocations, but perhaps it has never been more powerful over the youth of England than in a judge of horses. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- If her wistful cast of physiognomy is not gone, no more is her careless smile. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Mr. Sykes entered--a tall stout man of about fifty, comely of feature, but feeble of physiognomy. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I scanned his physiognomy, which varied as he spoke, yet was beautiful in every change. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
Typed by Alphonse