| 释义 |
charactern. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French caractere; Latin charactēr. Etymology: < (i) Middle French caractere, carrectere, charactere, French caractère (1274 in Old French as karactere , in uncertain sense; until the mid 15th cent. more commonly as caratere , carathere ) magical sign (end of the 11th cent. in Old French in a gloss in Rashi as calateres , subsequently from c1400), imprint made by a seal (1372), distinctive sign or mark (a1392), symbol used in writing, letter (a1422), outward sign (1560 in the passage translated in quot. 1569 at sense 2b), conventional sign in one of the sciences (e.g. algebra, chemistry, etc.) (1567), typeface (although this is first attested slightly later than in English: a1589), moral or mental qualities strongly developed or strikingly displayed (1675 in the passage translated in quot. 1695 at sense 9b, or earlier), particularly distinctive nature, style, or expressive quality (1704 in fine arts, 1798 in music; also recorded in other senses parallel to those of the English word, but at a later date than in English), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin charactēr (in post-classical Latin also caracter) branded or impressed letter or mark, characteristic, trait, in post-classical Latin also (of a person) distinctive nature (4th cent.), written letter (4th or 5th cent. in Jerome, c400 in Augustine), symbol (4th or 5th cent. in Augustine), (in theology, now chiefly in Roman Catholic dogmatics) indelible quality which baptism, confirmation, and holy orders imprint on the soul (c400 in Augustine), inscription on a coin (a636 in Isidore), writing (a1536) < ancient Greek χαρακτήρ die, stamp, impress, distinctive mark, characteristic, feature, in Hellenistic Greek also instrument for marking or graving, engraver, letter, symbol, brand, (shared) distinctive nature, style < χαράσσειν (Attic χαράττειν ) to make sharp, to cut into furrows, to engrave ( < χάραξ pointed stake, of unknown origin) + -τήρ , suffix forming agent nouns. Compare Catalan caràcter (14th cent.), Spanish carácter (a1430), Portuguese carácter , (chiefly Brazilian) caráter (14th cent. as †carautala , 15th cent. as carater ), Italian carattere (a1327), and also Middle Dutch (in late sources) caracter (Dutch karakter ), Middle High German caracter , karakter (German Charakter ). Compare charact n.The position of the main stress varied in early use between the first and the second syllable; second-syllable stress is frequent in the early modern period, and is still found occasionally in some varieties of English (e.g. Irish English, English regional (northern)). With the form characture perhaps compare -ure suffix1. I. Literal senses. 1. A distinctive mark impressed, engraved, or otherwise made on a surface; a brand, stamp. Often coinciding with sense 3a.c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham (1902) 43 (MED) Caracter, þet is prente ycliped, Nys non of eliinge. 1502 tr. (de Worde) i. iii. sig. d.iii A spirytuel token yt these theologiens calle caractere [Fr. caractere], the whiche maye neuer be defaced. 1529 J. Frith tr. M. Luther in f. lv He [sc. the Pope] exalteth every prest and monke..above all the nobles and princes of the worlde, by cause he is marked with his worshupfull signe and character. 1590 C. Marlowe sig. B Thou..by Characters grauen on thy browes..Deseru'st to haue the leading of an hoste. a1643 W. Cartwright Lady-errant iv. i, in (1651) sig. d Woman's the Gem of Heaven, in which Nature Hath carv'd the Universe in less Characters. 1690 J. Locke i. ii. 4 There are..some primary Notions,..Characters, as it were stamped upon the Mind of Man. 1757 T. Gray Ode II ii. i, in 16 The characters of hell to trace. 1794 R. J. Sulivan I. 92 All are stamped with the character of sublimity. 1825 28 Oct. 533 Most of the civil and social institutions which still exist in the country, were brought by our fathers from the old world, and are strongly impressed with the character of the state of society which there prevails. 1875 H. E. Manning i. 21 To all eternity they will bear the mark of their regeneration, the indelible character stamped upon them at the font. 1913 R. C. Minor i. i. 24 The characters stamped upon it during its short life were, accordingly, imbecility of government, discord among the States, general contempt abroad and anarchy and weakness at home. 1934 54 237/2 The ancient dialect spoken in the same region..was able..to impress its character strongly upon the incoming koine. 2003 J. Hankins I. 329 Origins were destiny, and stamped an indelible character on a race. society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > [noun] > imprint > of a stamp or device c1384 (Royal) (1850) Apoc. xiii. 16 To haue a caracter [L. caracter]..in her forhedis. 1607 E. Topsell 338 Amongest the auncientes there was a custome to make the Character of a horsse in the forehead of a boud-slaue [read bond-slaue]. 1642 D. Rogers 220 What Characters are in your seale, will soon be seen by your wax. 1658 J. Evelyn tr. N. de Bonnefons 150 Melons..full of Embrodery and Characters. 1763 C. Churchill iv. 203 On which, in Characters of fire, Shapes Antic, horrible and dire, Inwoven flam'd. 1863 D. Wilson (ed. 2) II. iv. iv. 280 Graven characters on the walls of St. Molio's Cave. 1875 W. S. Jevons vii. 58 The principal part of the circulation consists of silver itzibus, which are oblong, flat pieces of silver, covered on both sides with designs and legends, the characters being partly in relief and partly incised. 1913 I. Pl. vii, (caption) Characters used on coins up to the vii. cent. 2006 J. Supica & R. Nahas (ed. 3) ii. iii. 106/2 Some [of the guns] are known to have large unusual characters marked on the butt. 2. the world > the universe > astrology > [noun] > sign or device the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > sign or symbol used in J. Metham (1916) l. 497 (MED) Anone he dyght hys sacrifyse..hys cerkyl gan dyuyse With carectyrs and fygurys, as longe to the dysposycion Off tho spyrytys. a1593 C. Marlowe (1604) sig. C2v A booke where I might see al characters and planets of the heauens. 1608 Bp. J. Hall ii. 90 He weares Paracelsian Characters for the tooth-ache. 1671 J. Milton iv. 381 By what the Stars Voluminous, or single characters, In their conjunction met, give me to spell. View more context for this quotation 1728 E. Chambers at Tetragon An Aspect of two Planets with Regard to the Earth, when they are distant from each other a fourth Part of a Circle, or 90°... The Tetragon is express'd by the character, □. 1801 R. Southey I. iv. 221 The characters That tell beneath what aspect they were set. 1848 C. Dickens xxiii. 225 There were no talismanic characters engraven on the portal, but the house was now so neglected in appearance, that boys chalked the railings and the pavement. 1910 I. 72/2 In addition to the word Abraxas and other mystical characters, they [sc. abraxas stones] have often cabalistic figures engraved on them. 1963 M. I. Gerhardt iv. i. 292 On seeing the mysterious characters engraved on it, Kamar ez-Zâman presumes so at once, and Budûr's words confirm that there is ‘a secret in it’. 1997 K. Walden ii. 80 Decked out in Turkish trousers, silk gown embroidered with cabbalistic characters. society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > symbolizing > [noun] > a symbol 1569 E. Fenton tr. P. Boaistuau xix f. 55v The bloud of Iesus Christ, whereof he hath lefte to vs the true Charecter [Fr. charactere] and witnesse of his death. 1606 L. Bryskett 175 Signed with the character of Christ in baptisme. ?1614 W. Drummond Sonnet: Sweet Brooke in Enamell'd Bank whose shining Grauell beares These sad Characters of my miseries. 1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard i. iv. 186 No truths, but such as are couch'd in the worst Characters. 1701 tr. J. Le Clerc 117 That the Son is..the Brightness of his Glory, and Character of his Power. a1754 J. MacLaurin (1773) iv. 115 These characters of singular joy cannot be found in what is foretold about the outward state of the Jews. 3. society > communication > writing > written character > [noun] 1490 W. Caxton tr. vi. sig. Bviij The Fenyces were the fyrst Inuentours of carecteris [Fr. carrecteres] dyfferencyng that one fro that other, of whiche were fourmed lettres for to write. 1530 J. Palsgrave 11 If i and u be vowelles, they shalbe written with these caracters y and v. 1599 F. Thynne (1875) 13 With whiche Carractres ys Geffry Chausyer written. 1611 M. Smith in Transl. Pref. 6 Set forth by Potken in Syrian characters. 1649 Bp. J. Taylor Ed. Ded. 4 God hath writ his Commandements in so large characters. 1712 F. Tanner 36 Several of the Characters may signifie whole words. 1786 W. Jones 27 Feb. (1970) 694 The characters..are little more than the nagari letters inverted and rounded. 1837 VII. vii. 32 The Chinese characters or written words are symbols of ideas. 1851 D. Wilson iv. iv. 535 The Runic characters mingling with the initials and pilgrims' marks of the Holy Isle. 1910 IX. 685/1 Many of the priests..use Arabic instead, but Arabic written in Syriac characters. 1952 Oct. 837/2 The page..is neatly written in characters so small that a reader with average eyesight needs the aid of a magnifying glass in deciphering it. 2009 B. Mayhew & J. Bindloss 412/2 Each of these sounds is a different letter or character in the Devanagari script used to write Nepali. society > communication > indication > marking > marking to identify > mark of identification > [noun] 1597 T. Morley 3 A Cliefe is a charecter set on a rule at the beginning of a verse. 1658 J. Playford (new ed.) i. 21 Pauses or Rests are silent Characters. 1752 C. Avison 131 I have ventured to introduce a new musical character, namely, this Mostra (?) or Index. 1798 C. Hutton I. 8 Various characters or marks used in Arithmetic. 1828 R. Thomson II. iii. ii. 127 From the time of Aretin's invention of the gamut, until the fifteenth century, there were several variations of the musical characters. 1889 Dec. 8/1 Mathematical characters can be written as follows: & for plus, x for multiplication, two hyphens for subtraction, and the hyphen within a colon (:-) for division. 1948 Aug. 143/1 (caption) New music typewriter is standard IBM machine with special keyboard and type bars to make musical characters. 2000 A. Einsohn 436 Em dash. Name of the — character. society > communication > writing > system of writing > shorthand > [noun] 1616 J. Bullokar at Characterie A writing by Characters or by strange markes. 1641 in J. Rushworth (1692) I. 478 Whom his Majesty had observed to take his Speech in Characters. 1680 R. Baxter 48 Short writing called Characters, though expeditious, is hard to be read by others. 1723 J. Edwards Memorandum in (1834) I. p. lxxvi/1 When I am unfit for other business to perfect myself in writing characters. a1796 S. Pegge (1809) 139 They call a Clergyman's Sermon, what he preaches from, his Notes; because formerly it was written in characters, or short-hand, usually called Notes. 1828 A. Peacock Introd. p. xiii This difficulty..will be found to arise from two causes:—the first, from the words being abbreviated; and the second, from the letters being written in characters. 1890 C. S. Macnair 175 He managed to get possession of a letter written in characters, claiming that he received it from one of his short-hand correspondents. society > computing and information technology > data > [noun] > character 1949 3 428 The word length of both numbers and orders in this machine is 44 binary characters.] 1950 4 32 Decimal digits may be recorded as 4-digit binary code groups, and alphabetical characters may be recorded as 5- or 6-digit binary groups. 1958 C. G. Gotlieb & J. N. P. Hume ix. 187 The need for inserting or deleting characters occurs most frequently in editing information for output or for transfer from one medium to another. 1969 B. Hodge iii. 76 During reading, the block begins with the first character sensed after a gap and continues without interruption until the next gap is reached. 1987 B. Leatham-Jones iv. 94 This code is a sub-set of the ASCII code, comprising some 50 characters. 2005 42 340 Nessa's Fish Tank..uses roughly sixteen characters of code for each viewable word of content. 4. society > communication > writing > system of writing > alphabet > [noun] 1569 J. Sanford tr. H. C. Agrippa 6 b There is a great contention of the Hebrewe tounge and Carracter, betwene the Thalmudistes. 1596 E. Spenser 29 The Saxons Character is the same with the Irish. 1663 Marquis of Worcester §32. 26 How to compose an universal Character methodical and easie to be written, yet intelligible in any Language. 1685 E. Stillingfleet i. 11 That Inscription..was by the Character not of above 300 years Antiquity. a1763 ‘G. Psalmanazar’ (1764) 214 To..exert my talents in..familiarising myself to this pretended Formosan language and character. 1794 R. J. Sulivan II. 361 Coins..with legends in a character not to be decyphered by the antiquaries of Europe. 1828 7 Nov. 34/1 The names of the remaining members of the race of Ptolemy..are inscribed in Egyptian style and in hieroglyphic character upon the monuments of Egypt. 1860 D. Forbes (new ed.) vi. 142 In a new edition, in the Devanágari character,..almost all dots and double letters are discarded. 1916 G. A. Grierson IX. i. 45 Like Urdū it [sc. Dakhinī] is written in the Persian character. 1953 D. Diringer vi. 257 (caption) Gospels written in 1429..; the text is in Cyrillic character. 2008 R. Kumar iii. 153/2 The Sanskritized transcription of a Turkish name, of which Tsiang-kuin is an equally exact rendering in Chinese character. society > communication > writing > handwriting or style of > [noun] > of individual 1569 J. Leslie f. 12 As thowghe that manie in Scotlande coulde not..counterfeite in theire writinge, the Quenes verie character. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. ii. 193 Heere is the hand and Seale of the Duke: you know the Charracter I doubt not. View more context for this quotation 1638 T. Wentworth Let. in T. Carte (1735) 26 I write in much pain..be your Majestie therefore pleased to pardon..the badness of the character. 1704 J. Trapp iii. i. 1036 Some of your Friends may by the Character Discover him who sent it. 1806 T. Peake (2nd Amer. ed.) 107 A tradesman who is daily making entries in his books, will acquire a more free and steady character, than an illiterate person who can but just write his name. 1883 ‘G. Lloyd’ II. 252 Written in a rough unsteady character. 1997 D. Gaze I. 8/2 Volumes signed by ‘Diemud’ have..emerged—volumes not only written but painted in a beautiful and legible character. society > communication > printing > types, blocks, or plates > relating to type > style of type > [noun] 1585 R. Parsons Pref. f. 4v Thes second and third bookes should passe forth in better print, paper, and character, then the former did. 1641 J. Evelyn (1857) I. 29 Elzevir's printing house..renowned for the politeness of the character and editions of what he has published through Europe. 1712 J. Henley tr. B. de Montfaucon ii. 19 The Book is writ in the Oblong uncial Character. 1775 Oct. 285 The character is large and bold, with ligatures. 1798 A. F. M. Willich tr. J. C. Adelung ii. p. cxxv In such writings as are immediately addressed to the common people..the old angular character..is still used. 1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton I. ii. iv. 108 Imitation of printed Roman character. 1881 44 151 Written in the great uncial or capital character. 1910 VI. 220/2 The final standardization of Chinese writing was due to the great calligraphist Wang Hsi-chih of the 4th century, who gave currency to the graceful style of character known as..k'ai shu, sometimes referred to as the ‘clerkly hand’. 1946 C. S. Sherrington 171 Consists of 8 pp, 8°, italic character. 2008 38 258/1 (caption) The genealogy of the Ziyadids as told by the chronicles (in italic character) and by the coins (in bold character). society > communication > writing > written text > [noun] 1609 W. Shakespeare lix. sig. E Since minde at first in carrecter was done. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) v. iv. 4 What's on this Tomb, I cannot read: the Charracter Ile take with wax. View more context for this quotation ?a1625 Lawes of Candy i. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher (1647) sig. Gg2v/1 Without the helpe of Art, or Character. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > code, cipher > [noun] > particular codes 1605 B. Jonson i. sig. E They all lock vp themselues, a'late; Or talke in character . View more context for this quotation 1614 H. Wotton Let. 16 June in (1672) 436 I have (I know not how) mislayed the Character which I left you, therefore I pray send me..a Copy. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 27 There is a kinde of Character in thy life, That to th'obseruer, doth thy history Fully vnfold. View more context for this quotation 1660 S. Pepys 18 Jan. (1970) I. 22 I..interpreted my Lord's letter by his Character. 1664 S. Pepys 15 July (1971) V. 208 He hath given my Lord a Character and will oblige my Lord to correspond with him. 1748 S. Richardson IV. xxxv. 204 That [letter] which I copy'd myself in character last Sunday. the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [noun] > array > matrix > operation or result of 1931 H. P. Robertson tr. H. Weyl iii. ix. 150 Equivalent representations have the same character. 1936 8 331/2 The character... For most physical applications it is sufficient to know only the sum of the diagonal elements of the matrices. 2002 G. Turrell 153 The sum of the diagonal elements of a matrix is called the trace... In group theory it is known as the character. II. Figurative senses. 7. the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > [noun] > a characteristic ?1569 T. Underdowne tr. Heliodorus iv. f. 53v Loue Chastitie, whiche is the Character and marke of womanly vertue. 1597 F. Bacon Of Coulers Good & Euill f. 29v, in Felicitie seemeth to bee a character of the fauour..of the diuine powers. 1654 J. Evelyn Let. 9 Feb. in (1859) III. 65 It were imprudent, and a character of much ignorance, to inquire into the cause of any good man's suffering in these sad times. a1677 I. Barrow (1678) 469 The Prophets..assign the character of perpetual durability thereto. 1717 T. Purney ii. iv. 42 Her distinguishing Character is, that she is a Mey, so young, as to be entirely ignorant of Love. 1775 E. Burke 53 Tell me, what one character of liberty the Americans have. 1843 15 July 248/3 The white bark is supersalient amongst the others for its particular character of being highly saponaceous. 1886 R. L. Stevenson 126 Complete moral insensibility and insensate readiness to evil, which were the leading characters of Edward Hyde. 2004 A. M. Davies in C. Sanders i. i. 14 A striking character of the essay..is the immense clarity of the argumentation. the world > life > biology > biological processes > evolution > [noun] > specialization > specialized character or distinguishing feature 1672 (Royal Soc.) 7 4027 This..first assigneth very succinctly to the Umbelliferous Plants that common Character, wherein they all agree amongst themselves, and are differenced from all other families. 1738 E. Chambers (ed. 2) at Genus A system, or assemblage of several plants, agreeing in some one common character in respect of the structure of certain parts. 1796 W. Withering (ed. 3) I. 127 The most striking character is the 2 upright petals at the top. 1834 H. McMurtrie tr. G. Cuvier (new ed.) I. 90 At least at a certain age, it has no nails, a character on which M. Lesson has founded his genus Aonyx. 1878 Dec. 1037 These attributes of structure, size, shape, and colour are what are called its ‘specific characters’ and are common to all the individuals of the ‘species’ that the bird in question belongs to. 1913 J. W. Jenkinson i. 9 These germ-cells are the vehicles whereby the inheritable characters of the species are handed on from one generation to the next. 1947 K. H. Barnard 52 The Sandfish or Moggel..has a more cylindrical body-shape... Its chief character is the mouth with its thick fleshy lips. 2004 D. J. Schmidly (rev. ed.) 38 Opossums..are among the oldest, most primitive mammals of the New World... Their chief character..is the marsupium, or pouch. 1727 P. Shaw & E. Chambers tr. H. Boerhaave 96 The first character of tin is, that it is the lightest of all metals. 1805 R. Jameson (title) Treatise on the external characters of minerals. 1875 J. W. Dawson ii. 34 Full details as to the Laurentian rocks of Canada and sectional lists of their beds will be found in the Reports of the Geological Survey, and Dr. Hunt has discussed very fully their chemical characters. 1903 34 163 Detailed examination has also been made of the petrological characters of the schists. 1940 F. F. Grout (ed. 6) viii. 206 (list) Mineral characters and associations, in addition to the terms for the chief sediments, are: arkosic—ark..micaceous—mic..pyritic—py..ferruginous—fer..manganiferous—mn and others that are best spelled out in full. 1972 R. Galopin & N. F. M. Henry v. 114/1 For example, Pyrrhotite and Breithauptite, which are uniaxial, show certain biaxial optical characters. 2004 37 381 The failure to recognize the difference between botanical and mineralogical characters has caused much confusion in histories of eighteenth-century chemico-mineralogical systematics. 8. the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > character or nature > [noun] 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in iv. xiv. 64 An epistle of Polycarpus vnto the Philippians, very profitable for such as are carefull of their saluation, where they may knowe the true character of fayth. 1611 J. Speed vi. xix. 223/1 Albeit the very texture of this Epistle, carieth with it the true Character of Antiquity. 1659 J. Pearson 532 The character of the day in which our Saviour dyed is undeniable, for it is often expressly called the preparation. 1705 E. Hickeringill (title) Priest-craft, its character and consequences. 1790 E. Burke Let. 19 Nov. in (1967) VI. 171 Your paper has much more the character of a piece, in an adverse controversy. 1841 T. Carlyle ii. 107 Natural stupidity is by no means the character of Mahomet's Book. 1866 A. Crump ii. 59 The amount and character of the deposits of English banks. 1918 M. D. Petre ix. 188 The character of anti-modernism is more easily defined than that of its opposite. 1968 N. Marsh i. 11 The character of the streets changed. They grew narrower and were cobbled. 2004 (Beginners Special) Apr. 17/1 Effects are processes you put a sound through to alter its character, and with it the emotion it conveys. the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > essence or intrinsic nature > [noun] 1761 T. Smollett et al. tr. Voltaire XI. cciii. 15 Corneille had produced his Liar, a piece taken from the Spanish, and fraught with spirit, character and intrigue. 1803 Apr. 246 Mr. Stewart's style..has character without mannerism, or eccentricity. 1847 B. Disraeli I. ii. xii. 261 The handwriting was of that form of scripture which attracts; refined yet energetic; full of character. 1902 W. D. Howells 249 How many houses now have character—personality? 1951 (Austral. Wool Board) 102 Mushy, wool which is lacking character, open, badly weathered, and very wasty or noily. 1995 R. Greene ii. 19 It is the overlapping of instrumental entries and the quick movement of a figure across the orchestral terrain that imbue the music with character and excitement. 9. the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] 1600 B. Jonson Dram. Pers. sig. Aiii Asper his Character. He is of an ingenious and free spirit, eager and constant in reproofe. 1666 H. Bennet Let. 9 Feb. in (1701) 60 Tho he had Opiniastred the Point, as restily as became his Character, yet we are perswaded that..he is not dissatisfied. 1702 I. i. 36 The Nature, and Character, and Fortune of the Duke. 1705 J. Addison 9 Cunning, Industrious, and enur'd to Hardship..which was likewise the Character of the old Ligurians. 1726 Bp. J. Butler xii. 234 There is greater Variety of Parts in what we call a Character, than there are Features in a Face. 1774 Nov. 601/1 His character is that of the most extensive benevolence and hospitality, with a cultivated mind and a turn of disposition bordering upon the romantic. 1839 T. Keightley II. 74 Thorough selfishness formed the basis of Henry's character. 1875 H. E. Manning ii. 52 The character is that intellectual and moral texture into which all our life long we have been weaving up the inward life that is in us. 1913 W. K. Harris i. 3 Another feature in the character of the Outbacker..is his honesty. 1968 E. Shanas et al. in B. L. Neugarten iv. xxiii. 214/2 The British character, with its emphasis on ‘making do’ and ‘keeping a stiff upper lip’. 2007 A. Theroux v. 54 The dude never quit. No, I can see nothing in his character to persuade me that any indignation a flout of his might arouse would have driven him from a place he did not want to leave. society > morality > [noun] > moral qualities or endowments > strongly developed or displayed 1695 W. J. tr. R. Le Bossu iii. vi. 130 There is nothing more cold and disgustful than to see Personages of no Character [Fr. de ne voir que des Personnages qui n'ont aucun caractére]. 1735 A. Pope 5 Most Women have no Characters at all. 1785 Jan. 14/2 Miss Barlowe is illiterate, of low birth, and unfavourable appearance, but is a woman of character. 1817 J. Mill II. v. viii. 660 Too void of character, to write any thing of himself. 1859 J. S. Mill 108 A person whose desires and impulses are his own..is said to have a character. One whose desires and impulses are not his own, has no character, no more than a steam-engine has a character. 1926 July 22/3 Rounded letters..signify the indolent person, one of little character. 1953 J. P. Harris v. 70 The man previously appointed was without character and wholly unqualified. 2010 25 Mar. 40/4 It was by impressing him with her character that she made herself indispensable to the King. the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] > prevailing or distinctive qualities > as displayed in expression, etc. 1734 J. Ralph 41 There is nothing of expression in the face, nor character in the figure [of the statue]. 1781 J. Moore (1790) I. xlv. 500 What is usually called Character in a face, is probably excess in some of its parts. 1842 Aug. 156/1 The effect of the head, which is full of character, is heightened by a long black beard and red cap. 1888 W. P. Frith II. 213 It is an excellent picture and from its strong character must be a good likeness. 1904 W. C. Russell xiv. 259 There is much character in the mouth, and the eyes are those of a thinker. 1920 R. A. Freeman v. 91 A thin scumble of purple, rubbed on the nose, totally altered the character of the face. 2006 H. Engel i. 2 He had character written in every leathery line of his face. the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > [noun] > as index of character 1610 J. Mason iv. i. sig. G4 Timo. Amada knowest thou my face? Ama. I knew that outward Character of her That sometimes I cald mother. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 47 I will beleeue thou hast a minde that suites With this thy faire and outward charracter . View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) v. iv. 27 I paint him in the Character . View more context for this quotation 1768 L. Sterne I. 68 She was a widow, and wore a character of distress. 11. Recognized official rank or position; status, capacity, established function, role; position occupied in relation to other people or things. society > occupation and work > position or job > [noun] > capacity or position society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [noun] 1629 M. Kellison vi. 177 The Episcopall caracter and order requireth more Iurisdiction then doth the caracter of the Priest, so the Pope giueth ordinarilie more Iurisdiction to the Bishop then to the Priest or Pastour. 1645 J. Howell iii. x. 62 The Spaniard when he petitions to his King, gives him no other Character but Sir. 1703 II. vi. 151 Mr Hyde was made Chancellor of the Exchequer; who, till that time..was not under any Character in the Court. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet (1724) I. 366 He had the appointments of an Embassador, but would not take the character. 1755 C. Bisset Let. 9 May in R. Dodsley (1988) 202 I..served in a medical Character in the West Indies. 1786 E. Burke Speech 12 Apr. in (1803) XLI. 569/2 The East India company; not only in their Political Character, as a great Sovereign Power in India; but in their Commercial Character. 1822 W. Hazlitt II. ii. 24 They will go in the character of livery-servants to stand behind the chairs of the great. 1852 H. Rogers I. vii. 335 He never really appeared but in one character, that of a philosopher. 1875 W. Stubbs III. xviii. 189 From that day the legal recognition of his royal character begins. 1928 M. Hutton v. 112 He is somewhat heavily handicapped..with an academic audience, especially in his character of a poet. 1983 B. D. Henning I. 476/1 Marvell, in his character as a former tutor in the Fairfax family, was no doubt supported by the governor. 2010 T. Mather 110 In his personal character, Caiaphas was the enemy of God. In his official character, he was the spokesman of God. 1672 tr. R. Rapin 68 This Eloquence of the Pulpit: all those Engines which she imployes in moving the Passions are so powerful.., and it speaks by the dignity of its Character with so much authority. 1734 Mar. 140/2 Your Magazine forfeits its Character of Impartiality. 1797 W. J. Alldridge 156 The astonishing mass of property which is lodged there in its character of a banking house. 1840 P. E. Turnbull II. i. 12 Of this return, however, notwithstanding its official character, I have good reason to doubt the accuracy. 1875 W. S. Jevons (1878) 40 Such an impression..as shall establish its character as current money of certain value. 1956 2 Apr. 66/2 Its importance lay..more in its character as a representative assembly than in its work. 1997 A. Barnett vi. 172 Its character in a post-Hobbesian society is different from the notion of power still lodged in the heads of British politicians and civil servants. 12. a. A description, delineation, or detailed report of a person's qualities. Now chiefly historical. the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > [noun] > outlining or sketching > character sketch or delineation of character 1645 J. Howell iii. xviii. 75 I heard her setting him forth one day, and giving this Character of him. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet (1724) I. 267 I name Sir George Saville last, because he deserves a more copious character. 1796 T. Gataker (title) A Good wife, God's gift; or A character of a wife indeed! 1868 E. Edwards I. xx. 455 He went on to amuse himself by drawing the characters of the conspirators. 1910 R. Lucas i. 17 He undertook to write characters of Pitt and Bonaparte. 2003 E. R. Lambert iii. 86 He wrote a character of William that analyzes quite succinctly the particular quality of that temper. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > [noun] > testimony or reference by employer 1693 in (1852) I. 399 I have had a good character of you, Sir. 1714 T. Cave Let. 16 June in M. M. Verney (1930) I. xiii. 249 We also favoured this day our two young Rugbeians, and found Em well, bearing a good Character from their Master. 1743 E. Purefoy Let. in 23 Feb. (1931) I. vi. 143 She must bring a Character of her Honesty from the person she lived with last. 1785 R. Cumberland No. 96. §2 [I] took the rascal upon his word without a character. 1839 J. C. Patteson Let. in C. M. Yonge (1874) I. ii. 15 Aunt has just..shown me my character. I am stupified at it; it is so shocking just when I most wanted a good one on account of mamma's health. 1859 J. Lang 120 Then came..the coachman, the grooms, the sweeper. For each and all of these I had to write characters. 1889 C. M. Yonge ii. 14 The present school character of Master Sedley..by no means inclined Mrs. Woodford towards the boy. 1933 C. A. Lubbock iv. 49 When the ‘hot-headed Irish servant’..had to be discharged for insolence, Mrs Bulman did indeed direct Caroline to a registry office, but without telling her to ask for a character before engaging a new servant. 2005 P. Shrimpton v. 190 After the end-of-term exams, boys went individually to receive their characters; St John read out an account of the boy's progress and behaviour. the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > [noun] > complete, exact, or detailed > a detailed description 1651 J. Evelyn (title) A Character of England. 1705 J. Addison 217 This Subterraneous Passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a Character of it. 1721 J. Perry 13 Believing by the Character which he had given me, that the Work was brought near to the being finish'd. a1734 R. North (1740) i. iii. §58 159 I must confess it is very hard to give a due Character of, and I think nothing, less than its pure self, will be its just Reconnoisance. 1793 W. Cowper 3 Jan. (1984) IV. 269 The lady who was so good as to trouble herself..to write a character of the medicine. 1849 G. Bentham in W. J. Hooker 345 (note) I do not concur entirely with M. Ch. Naudin in his generic character of Osbeckia, given above. 1911 Dec. 520/3 We will consider it our duty to publish a character of air brake information that will benefit everyone who is concerned with the operation and maintenance of the air brake. 13. Reputation, general estimation of qualities; without further context spec. good reputation or estimation; (also) a reputation for (also as) something. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > good repute > [noun] 1649 T. Manley xxxvi. 54 I will doe all good to others, that I may gaine the Character of charitable. 1682 W. Penn (ed. 2) xi. §3. 218 'Tis Vanity..for a Man of Bulk and Character to despise another of a Lesse Seize in the World. 1711 R. Steele No. 154. ⁋2 My character for Modesty was so notorious..that I resolved to shew my new Face in new Quarters. 1741 Jan. 8/1 It was the supporting of such measures..that made this house forfeit its character among the people. 1786 T. Jefferson (1859) I. 566 These debts must be paid, or our character stained with infamy. 1817 J. K. Paulding I. 105 I can do this without forfeiting my character as a ‘regular built’ traveller. 1856 E. K. Kane II. xv. 164 It pleased me to find that I had earned character with these people. 1868 E. A. Freeman II. vii. 58 The first act of the new King seems strangely incongruous with his character for sanctity. 1928 23 Nov. 3/2 Those who through years of purchasing and selling acquaintance have established character for themselves and their businesses. 1972 20 Oct. 72/3 Edwards had been piped aboard by admiring remarks attesting to his character as a ‘hard-nosed son of a bitch’. 2007 S. L. Emanuel iv. 126 The prosecution may not show that because the defendant has a character for drunken driving, he was probably driving while drunk in the present case. 1785 T. P. Camelford 47 Their school was first at Tunbridge, partly on account of its good character, and partly as it was near the Wells, from which Mrs. Smith's health received benefit. 1804 Mar. 223/1 I instantly made choice of the Gentleman's Magazine, well knowing..its character for candour and respectability. 1813 A. B. Johnson 25 Any occurrence that should operate to destroy our desire for bank-notes, or any other article, would also destroy its character as capital. 1819 T. B. Martin Let. 30 July in S. Rose (2008) VII. v. 229 Name of the wood... Its character for durability. 1845 J. R. McCulloch ii. vi. 268 Shops of established character and respectability. 1926 E. B. Chancellor iii. 50 Almack's..became a centre for dancing and nothing else. Its character for selectness, however, was not merely retained but amplified. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > part or character > [noun] 1664 J. Dryden Ded. sig. A2 He may be allow'd sometimes to Err, who undertakes to move so many Characters and Humours as are requisite in a Play. 1679 J. Dryden Pref. sig. a4 The chief character or Hero in a Tragedy..ought in prudence to be such a man, who has so much more in him of Virtue than of Vice... If Creon had been the chief character in Œdipus [etc.]. 1749 H. Fielding VI. xviii. i. 168 Whatever Characters any..have for the Jest-sake personated..are now thrown off. View more context for this quotation 1785 G. A. Bellamy IV. 5 That lady, playing the character of Arpasia..being very lusty, the scene men found great difficulty to lift the chair into which she had thrown herself. 1823 Nov. 235/2 Les Associés..enjoyed the privilege of performing all the pieces of Le Théâtre François;..sustaining the characters by puppets. 1834 July 108 We doubt whether the imagination ever created a character of more loveliness than Grace Nugent. 1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato IV. 5 In the Philebus the character of Socrates has disappeared. 1917 J. Agate ii. 146 The Repertory actress sometimes succeeds in sending you away from the theatre concerned for the character she has been representing. 1952 W. Bean xxii. 293 Bud Fisher's comic strip character ‘Augustus Mutt’ became involved in a long and sensational trial. 1967 R. Hogan i. iii. 59 Some of the characters are so exaggerated, and the story..so intensely melodramatic, that the theme seems overstated. 2010 17 Apr. 45/3 His character was subsidiary to Gervais's starring role as the flawed comedy actor Andy Millman. 15. the world > people > person > [noun] > as having character or qualities 1749 H. Fielding III. vii. i. 7 Eminent Characters have..played the Fool. View more context for this quotation 1791 J. Hampson II. 29 A magistrate, who acquits himself with ability..is a respectable and useful character. 1840 C. Halsted 43 The consort of William the Conqueror was an admirable character. 1867 E. A. Freeman I. ii. 54 Ælfred is the most perfect character in history. 1931 D. Runyon (1932) 15 Marvin Clay is a most obnoxious character. 1953 L. Durrell v. 96 He is a delightful character with..a beguiling repertoire of stories. 1998 P. Williams (1999) 104 A cheerful, cocky, Walter Mitty character. the world > people > person > [noun] 1773 Aug. 425/1 What led me into this track of thinking, is a character who has just quitted me. 1791 tr. J. G. Zimmermann iii. 78 Of this description was the superior character of whom I now write; a character who convinced me, [etc.]. 1823 M. Colston I. xii. 338 I was pleased by meeting a character who..was allied to our English feelings. 1857 July 91/2 We knew a man who [etc.]... Another character had a taste for art in painting. 1908 J. M. Sullivan 2 Sure thing gambler, character who bets with suckers at race tracks. 1938 D. Runyon 16 Tammany Hall is greatly dissatisfied with the character who already represents it in Congress. 1946 J. Richardson 150 So widely was this Swordfish known That characters could not be found To drive it. a1961 J. Cannan (1962) iv. 88 The character who owns Mab..leaves his gear out in her. 2006 J. Rosen ix. 35 She was wearing a filthy, hooded sweatshirt that some character had once given her. the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [noun] > oddness > odd person 1773 O. Goldsmith ii. 24 A very impudent fellow this! but he's a character, and I'll humour him. 1832 G. Downes I. 473 ‘Ahi lassa’, added with a sigh the old man, who was a bit of a character. 1888 Oct. 678/1 The so-called ‘characters’ who..made for the West its popular reputation. 1921 Aug. 13/2 He was a character, and no mistake. 1970 B. Chubb viii. 216 The member himself was senior, individualistic, particularly locally oriented, and something of a character. 2003 Jan. 43/3 He cultivated a reputation as a practical joker, a harmless eccentric and a local character. Phrases P1. out of character. 1698 J. Collier i. 21 For certainly 'tis better to say nothing, than talk out of Character. 1725 A. Pope I. Pref. p. xix Many speeches also were put into the mouths of wrong persons, where the Author now seems chargeable with making them speak out of character. 1745 J. Mason i. iv. 44 It is always Self-Ignorance that leads a Man to act out of Character. 1897 Mar. 352/1 That such a Greseida should..make sentimental capital out of her widowhood is perhaps not out of character. 1927 Nov. 339/2 The slapstick wit of an actor stepping so flamboyantly out of character. 1949 26 Nov. 12/4 Her coy wink at the camera was out of character. 2006 D. Moody (2009) 161 If any of the people you are with should begin to act aggressively or out of character, you must isolate yourselves from them immediately. the world > relative properties > order > disorder > disharmony or incongruity > out of harmony [phrase] 1782 J. Byng Diary 25 Aug. in (1934) I. 79 The two bronze figures..are entirely out of character and situation. 1845 Jan. 36 A rearing-bit or a fixed martingale are most decidedly out of character in the hunting field. 1903 G. W. Forrest i. 20 The building is probably not more out of character with the climate than the mode of administering justice within its walls is out of character with the habits of the people. 2007 11 Jan. 14/3 One exchange that is strikingly out of character with the rest of the book. 1718 W. Gordon Pref. p. vi I have not the Honour to be acquainted with the Ingenious Gentleman who is the Author of it; but by Character, he is a Man of a Regular Life. 1791 J. Smeaton §76 A nobleman scarce known to him, but by public character. a1817 J. Austen (1818) III. x. 217 I had known you by character long before. View more context for this quotation 1859 F. Nightingale Let. 13 May in G. Vallée (2006) 87 He does not highly extol even his Colonel Campbell (he knows him by character only). 1865 S. Meredith 235 She knew the originals of several of the pictures by sight, and by character. P3. in character. the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > suitable or appropriate [phrase] 1733 L. Theobald I. 192 (note) It [sc. a Joke] is in Character with the rest of the Scene. 1810 U. Price (new ed.) II. 67 Thickets, though very proper in forests, and, perhaps, in parks, are not in character with a lawn. 1876 E. A. Freeman II. App. 715 The matter of the answer is clearly in character. 1933 J. B. Priestley iv. 102 Not tails, I think... Not in character. 2006 P. Sassi (2012) iv. 160 The panels were rendered and each one painted in different muted colours in character with the dry desert landscape. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [adverb] > in character 1752 W. Dodd I. 108 Caliban's Exultation..has something in it very strikingly in Character. 1778 W. Kenrick i. 12 They are within hearing, so appear to them in character. 1791 H. B. Dudley iii. xx. 85 (stage direct.) Female Archers, &c. ranged on each Wing—A Dance, in Character, commences on Miss Di Clackit's entering. a1816 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal (rev. ed.) iii. i, in (1821) II. 66 That would be in character, I should think. 1882 J. C. Morison v. 158 This is quite in character for the Scotch apostle of ‘blood and iron’. 1947 J. G. Fletcher vii. 105 Crockett had to act in character—and this sort of exploit was just what the frontiersmen of Arkansas expected of him. 2007 E. Morrison (2008) i. 31 If you could just tell yourself that you were acting a role..and stay in character, the job would be yours. 1737 8 View York and Talbot with astonish'd Eyes, Both in high Post, both in high Character, Each shines refulgent in his proper Sphere. 1757 10 May 453/1 There were false Brethren among Persons in high Character and Employments in Church and State. 1789 R. Saunders in (Royal Soc.) 79 82 A medicine formerly in great character. 1825 16 May 303/1 Would not the doing all this have been both honourable and useful to Colombia herself? Nations find their account in good character, as well as individuals. 1939 F. J. Roethlisberger & W. J. Dickson xv. 353 When I was a boy, it was quite a thing to learn a trade. You had to be in good character, and your family had to be known. Compounds C1. 1814 Aug. 193/2 Mr. Rob. Dighton, a celebrated artist, whose character-portraits will always be admired. 1856 H. Mayhew 205 When a prisoner is reported to the governor, the latter can tell, by a glance at the character-book, the conduct of the former. 1860 18 Aug. 61/2 This immortal master knew how to give an especial musical color to each one of the character types which were furnished to him in the Libretto of Don Juan. 1866 16 June 670/1 It is useless, even had we the space, to go through his character-analysis. 1871 E. Thring (ed. 2) ii. 47 The great and varied picture of the character flaw. 1898 36 237 The wrong of keeping a man longer in prison than the time required to create in him a character-cure and a character-change. 1905 Feb. 383/2 Mrs. Jacob is rich in the supreme gift of the novelist—character depiction. 1918 K. M. H. Blackford vii. 51 You will easily be able to work out for yourself the character portrait of the men of the British Royal Flying Corps, from data furnished me by one of my students. 1936 45 389 With the presence of organ affections we pass from character pathology proper to the psychotic sphere. 1960 15 iii. 6 The character-change many people experience under the influence of alcohol. 1976 F. Wyers ii. Introd. 69 A new fictional form..that does not allow description, character analysis or plot complication to interfere with the swift uncovering of the essential ‘inner’ process—the clash of wills. 1996 P. Gregory (1997) 110 Individualism was a very serious character flaw. 2008 D. L. Diefenbach (2009) 21 Another major character type is the antagonist. b. 1855 333 Interlocutors are introduced it is true; but not for the purpose of character-development through the ordinary modes of dramatic action. 1863 C. C. Clarke Pref. p. vi My affectionate study of Shakespeare has always been shared by..the ‘better part’ of me, and..to her feminine discrimination are owing many of the subtlenesses in character-development which we traced together. 1933 7 Jan. 10/6 The playing of games, which played a big part in character-development,..bulked large in the curricula of most schools. 2002 July 134/1 The sequel has more character development, humor, and logical plot points. 1859 ii. 3 The Theory of Character-formation enables us to obtain the most perfect Citizens. 1944 H. Read vi. 22 This gives the teacher his only possibility for..‘character-formation’. 2012 F. Mishna i. 4 Bullying was not acknowledged or was considered a ‘normal’ childhood experience,..one perhaps with a positive outcome through character formation. 1680 (single sheet) (verso) Poor Robin the Devils Secretary, is a little, silly, idle, impertinent lying, poor hungry Fellow; a miserable Ballad-maker and Character-Monger. 1740 Marforio tr. 28 An ingenious Character-Monger will, when the literal Sense will not do, give it an Allegorical Term. 1843 T. B. Macaulay Madame D'Arblay in Apr. 457/1 His dear little Burney, his little character-monger. 1989 (Nexis) 19 Aug. (Weekend Books section) 26 Hibernian charactermongers, adepts in that mildly condescending brogue-and-blarney tradition stretching from Maria Edgeworth to William Trevor and beyond. 1841 29 July 2/1 As they converse together, I mark them well, still intent upon this character-study, with faces for my pages. 1933 B. M. Baker i. vii. 67/1 Some thirty character studies of English men and women, writers and actors. 2002 (National Film Theatre) Apr. 17 An elliptical, enigmatic but finally wholly lucid character study of a thirtyish slacker. the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] > distinguishing feature 1792 in Major Neuman tr. J. G. Zimmerman I. vi. 72 Anecdotes and character traits, taken from the Life of Frederick II. 1878 June 132 How many of the most admirable character-traits of the ancient Greeks..may be distinctly traced to these sources of mental and physical health! 1924 J. Riviere et al. tr. S. Freud II. iv. 50 The permanent character-traits are either unchanged perpetuations of the original impulses, sublimations of them, or reaction-formations against them. 2000 M. Gladwell 160 Human beings invariably make the mistake of overestimating the importance of fundamental character traits. c. Objective, with participles and verbal nouns. 1859 A. M. Brown x. 149 A system of pastoral training ensued, in which character-building took the place of class-routine. 1897 30 Sept. 7/1 The present system of unregulated specialisation..ignores the paramount importance of character-building. 1900 J. Clifford in 28 Nov. 4/4 Character-building literature. 1944 R. Lehmann 178 I felt the ominous subject of character-building begin to breathe its threat upon me. 2006 Sept. 84/2 A group of offenders..are transferred to a secret Prison Service island for a spot of supposedly character-building rehabilitation. 1759 N. Hooke (ed. 4) IV. v. xi.154 The truth is, I am unequal to the task of character-drawing. 1882 16 Aug. 5/2 His powers of plot-weaving or character-drawing. 1997 H. E. Chambers i. 9 Reviewers..emphasize his..fine character drawing, singling out the housekeeper, Frau Schmolke. 1800 E. Hamilton II. 83 The first of these character-forming eras was the hour of my birth. 1864 3rd Ser. 3 147 The process of character-forming is spoken of in th Bible sometimes under the figure of a journey. 1910 25 Jan. 7/4 This..character-forming state can be keyed up by passion into an everlasting harmony. 1951 June 25/2 You want to be sure you are not entrusting too much character forming to outsiders. 1997 25 Aug. 127/2 One of those English boarding schools that believe it is character-forming to have to break the ice on your morning bathwater. 1686 J. Gother 38 The Representing humour do's not please him, and Character-making is an aggrievance. 1873 Oct. 688 Of the ends to be kept in view by the legislator, all are unimportant compared with the end of character-making. 1921 May 884 The character-making quality did not come from Asianoid or Africanoid races. 2007 I. Roche Introd. 11 Hugo's characters provide us..with..fertile ground for inquiry into larger and essential questions about character-making in nineteenth-century French fiction. 1858 28 398 Let us on no account..abandon or curtail the functions of our time-honoured, character-moulding, and judgment-directing professoriate. 1875 A. M. Diaz 26 It is only character-moulding,..for which we demand neither preparation nor a knowledge of the business. 1913 W. Gág Diary 13 June in (1940) ii. 146 Glory it's fierce to be poor. It's all right to talk about the fine character moulding..but oh glory it's hard lines all the same. 2006 42 167 Teaching children was perceived as a character-moulding exercise, which would eventually lead to good citizenship. 1837 ii. 10 I had made as gross a blunder as one would often do who should go about the world a character-reading with Lavater for his guide. 1892 ‘M. Twain’ 217 The difficult science of character-reading. 1924 V. Woolf 4 It would be impossible to live for a year without disaster unless one practised character-reading. 2010 A. Slide Introd. 7 Remont doubled as a ‘graphologist’ and offered character readings and vocational guidance. 1882 22 Oct. 7/6 Professor Wilson..did not believe in too strict discipline, but considered character training the thing to be aimed at. 1952 L. S. B. Leakey i. iii. 23 The character-training and preparation for citizenship, which the age-old Kikuyu initiation rites used to give. 2008 J. Arthur in L. P. Nucci & D. Narváez v. 85 Secular character training became an alternative to the moral lessons derived from Bible teaching. 1913 20 Dec. 14/3 (advt) Old character house required in Warwickshire. Genuine old Elizabethan, Queen Anne, or Jacobean residence required in Warwickshire. 1932 15 Mar. 28/1 (advt) Gem of antiquity... Equipped with the luxuries of to-day... Electric light, central heating... Old beams, ingle-nooks, and character features. 1962 6 May 36/6 (advt.) Weybridge..in Parklike surroundings, character conversion offering 3 bedrooms. 1979 23 July 72/2 (advt) Comfortable 3 bedroom character home near Biscayne Bay and Beaches. 1988 Jan. 242/1 (advt.) An attractive character yacht built as a little ship and conscientiously maintained. 2006 S. Townsend 100 Sandra..had told the snooty estate agent, employed to find them a character property, that the house must have ‘the wow factor’. C3. 1895 G. B. Shaw in 27 Apr. 549/2 Mr Volpé..is a credible and natural Brixton paterfamilias, and does not ‘character-act’. 1971 in J. Cottrell & F. Cashin xii. 150 He tried to character act a bit, to do touches of Olivier and Gielgud. 1983 A. Sher in B. Turner & M. Fulton 237/1 I was forced to character act as a foreigner. 1856 2 Mar. 10/1 Crowded houses have still attested..their warm admiration of his wonderful character-acting in Louis the Eleventh and The Corsican Brothers. 1895 G. B. Shaw in 27 July 109/1 She..allows her comic-song singing to decay into mere seventh-rate character acting. 1948 18 Oct. 111/2 The English often have it all over the Americans in the fine art of character acting. 2009 G. Hayter-Menzies i. xiii. 107 This role..could have started her properly on the path to character acting that she only came to by necessity years later. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > actor > [noun] > actor playing specific type of part 1841 31 July 3/4 Cullenford, Ray, (a capital character actor). 1883 9 Nov. By a ‘character actor’ is understood one who pourtrays individualities and eccentricities, as opposed to the legitimate actor who..endeavours to create the rôle as limned by the author. 1950 W. G. Rose xiv. 718 Holland was one of the finest character actors the American stage had known. 2011 16 May 25/6 Longdon..was a character actor who specialised in seduction, lounge-lizardry and murder conspiracies. 1863 1 June 6/2 Mrs. Stephens..has proved herself one of the very best ‘character’ actresses of the day. 1933 P. Godfrey xvi. 197 The general manager's wife was a character actress of no great distinction. 2010 P. de Rossi (2011) 28 In Hollywood, there were really only two kinds of actresses: leading ladies and character actresses. 1984 C. Bergen xiv. 82 Sidney [Lumet] sent us home to select specific ‘sense memories’ relevant to our class and political period in the story and to start building our ‘character arc.’ 1991 28 July (Early ed.) j8/2 Three new movies..are built around almost identical character arcs. 2005 A. Billson ix. 131 Spike completes his six-season character arc from vampire villain to vampire hero. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > actor > [noun] > actor playing specific type of part 1857 19 Apr. 8/4 The eccentric, or ‘character’ comedians might be exemplified by what Messrs. Mathews and Yates did in the dates gone by. 1922 F. M. Hall 149/1 He stepped into the national theatrical limelight as one of the best of character comedians. 2000 D. Sutton viii. 227 The great days of the character comedians were passing, and new emphases on situation comedy, team-playing and social comment were to mark the films produced at Ealing. 1978 16 13/2 Computer terminals that are character based. 1990 Feb. 5/2 Gates and others have been predicting the demise of character-based screens in desktop computing for years. 2008 A. M. Langer (ed. 3) vii. 156 While Web-based interfaces are the most popular, there are still many systems that use just GUI or character-based interfaces. society > computing and information technology > data > [noun] > character code 1957 17 696/1 The converted information..is now in character code with six bits defining a character. 1967 N. S. M. Cox & M. W. Grose ii. 43 The more conventional way of generating character codes is to keyboard them. 2006 J. K. K. Korpela iii. 134 Mac OS X uses Unicode as its primary character code. society > leisure > dancing > ballet > [noun] > dance > types of 1757 J. H. Grose ii. 224 All these love-scenes, the girls execute in character-dances. 1843 29 Apr. 398/1 She introduces a variety of character dances; at one time it is the Cracovienne, at another the Cachuca. 1882 W. Besant II. xxx. 261 You used to sing..at the Canterbury, with a character dance and a topical song and a kick-up at the finish. 1911 J. E. C. Flitch iii. 42 Her character dances..were new and graceful. 1943 K. Ambrose 42 A character-dance is usually taken to mean a dance in which les pointes are not used: or a national dance of some kind. 2011 27 June 38/2 Bournonville's use of character dance, hard-footed, folk-style dancing. society > leisure > dancing > ballet > [noun] > ballet-dancer > character dancer 1864 18 Apr. 2/5 These wonderful Little People will be assisted by the Female Character Dancer. 1899 Nov. 30/1 Spanish character-dancer. 1936 A. L. Haskell in ‘C. Brahms’ i. 11 There is the character dancer who may specialise in the miming of comic rôles or in villainous miming (usually also comical) or in national dancing. 1995 27 Mar. 80/2 One of the artists billed to appear was Gedeminas Taranda, a principal character dancer whose performances displayed an attractive muscular panache. 1862 8 June 3/1 (advt.) Weston's Grand Music Hall, Holborn... Solos from classical works, native and foreign; duets and character dancing every night. 1928 A. L. Haskell 135 Such a ballet shows Massine at his best,..blending classical and character dancing in a manner entirely his own. 1997 25 Aug. 14/3 The real treat is the character dancing: it's a big surprise to encounter so many styles..and such a variety of song-length minidramas. 1971 B. O. States 113 Here is where the old character-driven (or ‘flaw’-driven) plot..is no longer of much use. 1988 27 Apr. c17/4 Adult movies tend to be more character driven. 1997 Aug. 44/1 All of the novels and comics I like to read are basically character-driven books about relationships. 2007 P. Aufderheide ii. 95 Biographical documentaries..are character-driven by definition. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > part or character > [noun] > types of part or character 1811 in (1812) 481 (advt.) For the Ballet.—Monsieur Didelot, Ballet-Master, and occasionally to perform Character Parts. 1866 26 May 510 In comedy and character parts, such as Justice Shallow. 1939 T. S. Eliot 37 I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts, Whether I took the lead, or in character parts. 2004 15 Mar. 91/3 Anthony became..a singer of supporting roles, a specialist in character parts..the Innkeeper in Der Rosenkavalier and the police spy Spoletta in Tosca. 1830 tr. in III. 320/2 Collin d'Harleville..enriched the French stage with character-pieces [Ger. Charakterstücken]. 1843 tr. A. L. L. de Custine III. xxviii. 48 Moscow is the city for painters of character pieces. 1847 25 Dec. 622/2 Dr. Mendelssohn's chamber music may be specified an Ottett, two Quintetts.., Preludes and Fugues, Rondos, Studies, character pieces, and ‘Lieder ohne Worte’. 1911 E. Newman tr. A. Schweitzer II. xix. 1 It may be possible to regard..the composers of the Italian and French character-pieces as simply naïve painters in music. 1989 W. Kinderman vii. 84 This character piece..drives resolutely to its conclusion, with pomp and fanfare. 2006 S. Tropiano iv. 223 Clerks is short on plot. Smith's comedy is more of a character piece. 1953 A. D. Booth & K. H. V. Booth viii. 69 Yet another possible character recognition device might be based on what may be called the ‘topology’ of alphabetic and numerical devices. 1977 3 Mar. 503/2 Automatic character recognition did not become a commercial proposition until the late 1950s. 2013 (Nexis) 28 Mar. b1 Evernote's built-in character recognition may not be miraculous enough to convert handwritten scrawl into typed text, but it's good enough to let you search it. 1842 21 Dec. (advt.) It is..requested that none will apply but those who can produce unexceptionable character references. 1924 17 Feb. (Mag. section) 6/1 He speaks four languages and gives as character references the names of half a dozen men of excellent standing. 1985 8 Feb. 14/7 Why have you given him a negative character reference? Was the accused ever involved in drunkenness or brawling? 2001 30 Oct. 4/4 Neither his past employment record nor his character references gave any cause for alarm. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > part or character > [noun] > types of part or character 1871 T. W. Robertson 2 Peter Michaeloff, a Journeyman Carpenter (Lead). Danilovitz, a Pastrycook (Light Comedian). Gritzenko, a Kalmuc Tartar (Character rôle). 1894 Feb. 98 Excellent comedy work is done in the amusing character rôles of this charming opera. 1954 18 Sept. 41/5 By 1916 he was playing major parts. As his girth increased, he turned to character roles. 2010 M. Kennedy xiii. 119 He has the best training of anyone I know, and he should be starring in films, not playing character roles. society > computing and information technology > data > [noun] > character > set of 1954 77 349 Let X be any linearly ordered space, without gaps, every interval of which has the character set {c01, c10, c11}. 1958 1 10 Each one of these uses the character set of a particular computer and is the language accepted by a translator for that computer. 1985 May 19/3 (advt.) The CPC464 has a..numeric keypad for fast data entry and a full 8-bit character set. 1992 7 27/1 As Greek libraries develop automated systems they obviously wish to have records in the Greek character set. 2012 39 6559/1 This program converts the character set to UTF-8. the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > [noun] > outlining or sketching > character sketch or delineation of character 1842 Sept. 154/1 A gallery of character-sketches in which the various classes of travelers, exiles, and other ‘Franks’, encountered on the banks of the Nile..are exhibited. 1911 C. E. Morgan iii. 96 Practically every type of character-sketch can be found in the Tatler and Spectator; in them can be traced every stage of its development from the short, objective, impersonal ‘anatomy’ of a type, to the sympathetic delineation of a typical individual under many different circumstances. 1954 W. K. Wimsatt Introd. p. xiv In writing a character sketch, we do not say, ‘Observe he has a nose and breathes through it.’ 2010 K. Ng in H. E. Harris et al. 267 A steady stream of popular publications by journalists detailing their experiences of the election,..and rough character sketches of the man and woman behind it all. 1825 Mar. 369 He has evinced a very superior talent for character sketching. 1888 1 413/2 It is full of bits of character-sketching. 1936 Dec. 398/1 Those who like a seriously-written book with plenty of character-sketching will enjoy it. 1997 R. J. Evans iv. 53 Traditional historical narrative technique..always involved a generous amount of personal detail, character sketching and colourful anecdote. 1957 11 138/1 Numbers ranging from 1 to 8, hereafter called ‘state codes’, were used to record the state of all characters for each species. The total number of character states was 450. 1984 C. Meier-Brook in A. Solem & A. C. Van Bruggen 30 Most species of Gyraulus..share the derived character state of distinctly patchy mantle pigmentation. 2007 No. 67. 2/3 This character state, an umbel of flowers subtended by a whorl of calyx-like bracts places Mathiascella clearly in the celery family. society > computing and information technology > data > [noun] > character > sequence of 1953 1 viii. 105/1 The necessary and sufficient condition on the words requires an auxiliary concept of segment classes. The segment classes are an infinite sequence of sets of character-strings defined by recursion. 1984 Dec. 32/2 The program would not permit one to enter a character string, where a number is expected. 2011 (Nexis) 3 May Sophisticated search and information retrieval now involves criteria that go way beyond character strings that appear in a text database. the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] 1873 Sept. 161/1 Considering firmness to be essential to her character-structure, she sought to develop this with unceasing effort. 1905 July 309/1 The soul, the mind and the hand of man are inseparably woven into the character structures, so that we can see the inanimate color-print stamped with the individuality of the artist. 1949 M. Mead in M. Fortes 20 The character structure of the individuals. 2008 J. Giles v. 160 Other factors—like gender..or a person's character structure—also play a large role in the disposition to jealousy. a1832 J. Bentham Princ. Judicial Procedure xi, in (1843) II. 62/1 Incompatible with any well grounded decision.., would be every attempt to fix the allowable number of character-witnesses, by any general rule. 1891 22 Jan. 6/2 Mr. Walker said that Leon Lamothe, a character witness, would be placed on the stand immediately. 1948 13 Jan. 20/2 A..well-known Nassau figure is probably going to take the stand as a character witness for a pal involved in a messy divorce case. 2005 D. Diamond (2006) xli. 249 ‘Well, I don't think we can use her as a character witness,’ Brian said. ‘She's had her own run-ins with the police.’ This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online June 2022). characterv. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: character n. Etymology: < character n. Compare Middle French, French †caracterer to engrave (16th cent.; frequently in figurative contexts; apparently last recorded 1611 in Cotgrave). Compare characterize v.The position of stress varied in early use; second-syllable stress is frequently attested in the early modern period. society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > identify or distinguish [verb (transitive)] 1555 L. Digges sig. Fiv The circle made, diuide it in 6... Then Character it, begynning at the North thus, 10. 20. 30. &c. a1661 T. Fuller (1662) i. 61 We have..charactered them with a Rem. for Remove. 1734 J. Kelly (ed. 2) II. vii. 291 Describe the Oblique Circle..for the Ecliptick, and divide it into, and Character it with the Six Northern Signs. 1754 J. Hill App. 398 The poisonous Plants..are charactered even to the Eye, by something singular or dismal in the Aspect. 1805 R. Southey ii. iii. 207 But her son Had Nature charactered so legibly, That when his tongue told fair, his face bewrayed The lurking falsehood. a1806 H. K. White (1807) II. 118 So has the year been character'd with woe In Christian land, and mark'd with wrongs and crimes. 1856 E. B. Browning ii. 85 His holy ring Charáctered over with the ineffable spell. 1872 H. D. Kitchel in ii. 53 The Truth..holds the believer henceforth in its embrace, as the mold clasps the delivered metal, and characters him with its own impress. 1940 E. Olson ix. 81 The closing of the Book We have charactered with our sins and crimes. a1963 C. S. Lewis (1964) 16 The doe of the Pleiades whose horns were charactered with gold. society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > symbolizing > be symbol of [verb (transitive)] 1555 L. Digges sig. B.iijv It behoueth brefly to open what I cal planetes, and what aspectes, and how they are charactered and figured. 1594 Prol. sig. A2v You shall behold him character in bloud, The image of an vnplacable King. 1606 J. Day sig. A2v Is there any great mans life charactred int [sc. the play]? a1634 J. Day (Lansd. 725) f. 7 The Author in his Russet Bee, Charrecters hospitallity. 1647 W. Lilly i. 26 We call that Aspect an Opposition, and character the Aspect thus ☍. 1782 T. Paine (1791) 47 Several of our passions are strongly charactered by the animal world. 1791 Oct. 76/1 The ascending node [of the moon]..is charactered thus ☋. 1831 C. Lamb 3 Feb. (1935) III. 300 The contrition so queerly character'd of a contrite sinner. society > communication > writing > [verb (transitive)] society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > imprint [verb (transitive)] 1589 A. Munday tr. F. de Vernassal v. f. 20 The fame of your renowne was so caractred in my spirit. ?1592 sig. B3v What warlike wrinckles time hath charactered, With ages print vpon thy warlike face. 1596 sig. H5 He hath my neuer broken name to shew, Carectred with this princely hande of mine. 1604 W. Shakespeare i. iii. 59 These fewe precepts in thy memory Looke thou character . View more context for this quotation 1609 T. Heywood v. xxviii The hoofed Centaures..character deepe halfe Moones where they tread. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. vii. 4 The Table wherein all my thoughts Are visibly Character'd, and engrau'd. View more context for this quotation 1657 278 Imprint, and caracter them in my Hart. 1785 W. Cowper iii. 823 As if in golden pomp Were character'd on ev'ry statesman's door, ‘Batter'd and bankrupt fortunes mended here’. a1822 P. B. Shelley Def. Poetry in (1840) I. 42 While the sceptic destroys gross superstitions, let him spare to deface..the eternal truths charactered upon the imaginations of men. 1864 N. Hawthorne (new ed.) 63 All these are charactered in old English letters. 1903 P. MacKaye i. 37 He wears a ring, on which is charactered The letter ‘A’. 1928 ‘E. T. Raymond’ 94 They preferred a blank sheet to one on which so much glory,..chequered with so much indiscretion, had been charactered. 4. To describe the distinctive nature, features, or qualities of. Cf. characterize v. 4. the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] > describe the character of 1618 T. Gainsford 32 Perkin, according to the Dutch phrase, who character cowardly and timerous yonglings in that manner. 1627 I. Bargrave 8 In Sauls offence, cleerely characterd in this chapter, two points are most remarkable. 1748 J. Hill I. 482 This is another of the species of Agate, excellently charactered in the name the antients have given it [sc. blood Agate]. 1798 R. Southey in J. W. Robberds (1843) I. 232 You have well charactered him. 1829 W. Mudford III. xiii. 234 You may remember how I charactered him that night I sat with you here. 1868 R. Browning I. i. 11 There's our Count Charactered in a word. b. With specification of nature, qualities, etc. 1620 tr. Pope Paul IV in sig. D4v Then were the Halcion dayes of our glory, and how euer Heretickes haue characterd them with ignorance and superstition, yet questionles.., men were neuer at so much peace of Conscience, as when they knew not how to trouble their soules beyond their vnderstandings. a1645 W. Browne tr. M. Le Roy (1647) iii. i. 27 This great Prince, which his [divining] art had charactered to him for the miracle of these times. 1647 N. Bacon lxx. 300 Otherwise it can..be charactered as a tricke. 1654 B. Oley Some Notes of Publisher in T. Jackson 3135 Socrates confessed..that Zopyrus the Physiognomer said True, when he Stigmatiz'd rather than Character'd him..for A Man of Vile Affections. 1782 J. Stedman vii. 67 Manners have been variously charactered, as the simple, the plain, the smooth, the agreeable, the elegant. 1811 Sept. 129/1 An attentive perusal of it warrants me in charactering it, as the Sun among school-books. 1911 W. Winter vi. 473 Joseph T. Buckingham..charactered it as ‘terribly sublime’. 2008 J. Maskell in J. B. Cattler & C. M. Rice xiv. 208 The action of the House in 1981 could not be fairly charactered as an ‘exclusion’ of a Member-elect. 1625 P. Heylyn (rev. ed.) 745 The old Egyptians are by Pomponius charactred, to haue vsed to weepe and mourne ouer their dead bodies. 1650 T. Fuller i. ii. 6 Charactered to be a countrey flowing with milk and honey. 1650 T. Fuller ii. xii. 254 The Canaanites..hitherto had charactred them invincible. 1674 T. Staveley xix. 149 Robert Somercot..is character'd to have been a person of very great merit. a1684 R. Leighton (1692) xvi. 285 They breath forth the expressions of that their Love to God, by which they are Character'd, them that Love God. 1709 J. Strype xxi. 237 He was charactered to be a virtuous godly man. 1838 J. Burke IV. 270/1 His contemporaries character him a grave and a prudent man in gait, apparel and speech. 1853 W. Melrose Let. 23 Feb. in (1973) 236 He wrote back, 1s. 6d. to 8d. should be the value according to his sales, and charactered them ‘nice scented and well bought teas’. the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > character or nature > impart a character or nature to [verb (transitive)] 1621 R. Brathwait 199 And so charactred, as the time may come, Siluia shall be as Flora was in Rome. 1622 J. Rawlins sig. A3v Yet shall the enterprise be Charactered with a worthy exploit, and if it end with successe, oh how shall the Actors be remembred to posterity! a1684 R. Leighton (1692) i. 10 This Wisdom flows from Heaven , and a Heavenly Conversation flows from it, as we find it there Charactered by these practical Graces of Purity, Peace, Meekness, &c. 1686 J. Goad i. vii. 23 That the Days are..Character'd in their constitution, according to her accesses or recesses to the Sun or Tropick. 1759 B. Buckler 18 This point of time..was highly charactered by the people whose conquests and empire had overspread the world. 1814 R. Southey xvii A warrior's impulse character'd The impassion'd gesture. 1819 Dec. 494/2 His progress to empire was charactered by severity. 1866 H. Bushnell iii. vii. 434 The trusting of one's self over, sinner to Saviour, to be..new charactered by him. 1992 C. Strickland & J. Boswell 15/3 Severe style, early phase of Classical sculpture charactered by reserved, remote expressions. 2006 57 58 By describing women as fated to be charactered by others, these lines seem to put them in the position of passive texts rather than persuasive ‘authors’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.c1350 v.1555 |
