Char"ac*ter*ize (?), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Characterized (?);
p. pr. & vb. n. Characterizing.] [LL.
characterizare, Gr. ?: cf. F.
charactériser.] 1. To make
distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make
with distinctive features.
European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian
faces are Characterized.
Arbuthnot.
2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.]
Sir M. Hale.
3. To indicate the character of; to
describe.
Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to
characterize King William.
Johnson.
4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or
express the character of.
The softness and effeminacy which
characterize the men of rank in most countries.
W. Irving.
Syn. -- To describe; distinguish; mark; designate;
style; particularize; entitle.