Physiognomy

Quick meaning: Physiognomy is a noun meaning The art of telling fortunes by inspection of the features.

Meaning

The art of telling fortunes by inspection of the features.

More Meanings

1. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics.
2. The art or pseudoscience of deducing the predominant temper and other characteristic qualities of the mind from the outward appearance, especially from the features of the face.
3. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.

Example Sentences

the physiognomy of a plant; of a meteor

Faith ſir a has an Engliſh maine, but his fiſnomie is more hotter in France then there.

During a period of peak popularity in the 19ᵗʰ Century, the field of physiognomy became more sinister and racist than its quirky manifestation during the time of ancient Greeks.

According to artists, the lion is the most difficult of all animals to paint, on account of the prodigious mobility of his physiognomy. Rosa Bonheur was able, thanks to her inimitable art, to catch and reproduce the fugitive facial expressions of the kingly beast [...]

Word Forms

• physiognomies
• physnomie
• physnomy

Synonyms for physiognomy

Depending on context, synonyms include countenance, visage, mug, kisser, smiler.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include countenance, visage, kisser, smiler, mug, complexion.

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