GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Character , n. [L., an instrument for marking, character, Gr. , fr.  to make sharp, to cut into furrows, to engrave: cf. F. caractère.]
   1913 Webster
   A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
   1913 Webster
   It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye.
   Holder.
   
   1913 Webster
   Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character.
   1913 Webster
   You know the character to be your brother's?
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.
   1913 Webster
   The character or that dominion.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   Know well each Ancient's proper character;
   His fable, subject, scope in every page;
   Religion, Country, genius of his Age.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.
   Motley.
   
   1913 Webster
   Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
   1913 Webster
   Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
   1913 Webster
   Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
   1913 Webster
   The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.
   1913 Webster
   This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant. [Colloq.]
   1913 Webster
   A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Cæsar is a great historical character.
   1913 Webster
   One of the persons of a drama or novel.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ “It would be well if character and reputation were used distinctively. In truth, character is what a person is; reputation is what he is supposed to be. Character is in himself, reputation is in the minds of others. Character is injured by temptations, and by wrongdoing; reputation by slanders, and libels. Character endures throughout defamation in every form, but perishes when there is a voluntary transgression; reputation may last through numerous transgressions, but be destroyed by a single, and even an unfounded, accusation or aspersion.”  
   Abbott.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Character, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Charactered .]
   1913 Webster
   To engrave; to inscribe. [R.]
   1913 Webster
   These trees shall be my books.
   And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize. [R.]
   Mitford.
   
   1913 Webster