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Physiognomy - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Physiognomy : (noun)
1: the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal
terms for `face' and `phiz' is British) [syn: countenance,
phiz, visage, kisser, smiler, mug]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Physiognomy : \Phys`i*og"no*my\, n.; pl. Physiognomies. [OE.
fisonomie, phisonomie, fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F.
physiognomie, physiognomonie, from Gr. ?; fy`sis nature _ ?
one who knows or examines, a judge, fr. ?, ?, 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.
2. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the
mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of
countenance, as denoting character.
3. The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
[Obs.] --Bale.
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.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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