character
Cross references:
1. disposition 2. quality 3. type
1. char.ac.ter \'kar-ik-t*r\ \-l*s\ n [ME caracter, fr. MF caracte're, fr.
L character mark, disti]nctive quality, fr. Gk charakte-r, fr. charassein
to scratch, engrave; akin to Lith zhachek>erti to scratch 1a: a
conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of
ownership, origin, or relationship 1b: a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph,
alphabet letter) used in writing or printing 1c: a magical or astrological
emblem 1d: ALPHABET 1e1: WRITING, PRINTING 1e2: style of writing or
printing 1e3: CIPHER 2a: one of the attributes or features that make up
and distinguish the indi vidual 2b1: a feature used to separate
distinguishable things (as organisms) into categories 2b2: the detectable
expression of the action of a gene or group of genes 2c: the complex of
mental and ethical traits marking a person, group, or na tion 3: POSITION,
RANK 4: a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type 5:
REFERENCE 6a: a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits : PERSONAGE
6b: one of the persons of a drama or novel 6c: the personality or part
which an actor re-creates 7: REPUTATION 8: moral excellence and firmness
- char.ac.ter.less aj
2. character vt archaic 1: ENGRAVE, INSCRIBE archaic 2a: REPRESENT,
PORTRAY 2b: CHARACTERIZE