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.
Hear it pronounced