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.]
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   A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
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   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.
   
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   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.
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   You know the character to be your brother's?
   Shak.
   
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   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.
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   The character or that dominion.
   Milton.
   
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   Know well each Ancient's proper character;
   His fable, subject, scope in every page;
   Religion, Country, genius of his Age.
   Pope.
   
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   A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.
   Motley.
   
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   Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
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   Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
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   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.
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   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.
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   This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.
   Addison.
   
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   A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant. [Colloq.]
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   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.
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   One of the persons of a drama or novel.
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   ☞ “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.
   
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2.       
   Character, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Charactered .]
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   To engrave; to inscribe. [R.]
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   These trees shall be my books.
   And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
   Shak.
   
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   To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize. [R.]
   Mitford.
   
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