charactery

noun, adj — 5 senses

charactery

noun

/ˈkæɹ.ək.təɹ.i/ · /ˈkæɹ.ək.tɹi/

Etymology From character + -y or + -ery.

1

Obsolete The art or means of characterizing.

2

Obsolete a system of signs or characters, i.e. symbolism.

3

Obsolete A distinctive mark.

4

Obsolete Something which has a meaning.

I will construe to thee All the charactery of my sad brows.1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:
Sometimes she looked at Raymond, as if to say—That it should be so! At others her countenance expressed—I will still do all I can to make you happy. But Adrian read with uncertain aim the charactery of her face, and might mistake.—Clara was always with her, and she seemed most at ease1826, [Mary Shelley], The Last Man. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC:

charactery

adj

Etymology From character + -y.

1

Informal, Rare Characterful.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.