physiognomy

2 definitions found

physiognomy - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Physiognomy \Phys`i*og"no*my\ (f[i^]z`[i^]*[o^]g"n[o^]*m[y^];
     277), n.; pl. Physiognomies
     (f[i^]z`[i^]*[o^]g"n[o^]*m[i^]z). [OE. fisonomie, phisonomie,
     fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F. physiognomie, physiognomonie,
     from Gr. fysiognwmoni`a; fy`sis nature + gnw`mwn one who
     knows or examines, a judge, fr. gnw^mai, gignw`skein, to
     know. See Physic, and Know, and cf. Phiz.]
     1. 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The face or countenance, especially viewed as an
        indication of the temper of the mind; particular
        configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as
        denoting character.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
        [Obs.] --Bale.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without
        reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the
        physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.
        [1913 Webster]

physiognomy - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  physiognomy
      n 1: the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are
           informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British) [syn:
           countenance, physiognomy, phiz, visage, kisser,
           smiler, mug]