physiognomy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
    smiler; visage; mug; kisser; countenance; phiz.

WordNet

Phys`i*og"no*my noun
Etymology
OE. fisonomie, phisonomie, fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F. physiognomie, physiognomonie, from Gr. nature + one who knows or examines, a judge, fr. , , to know. See Physic, and Know, and cf. Phiz.
Wordforms
plural Physiognomies
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913