Note: "It would be well if character and reputation were used distinctively. In truth, character is what a person is; reputation is what he is supposed to be. Character is in himself, reputation is in the minds of others. Character is injured by temptations, and by wrongdoing; reputation by slanders, and libels. Character endures throughout defamation in every form, but perishes when there is a voluntary transgression; reputation may last through numerous transgressions, but be destroyed by a single, and even an unfounded, accusation or aspersion." Abbott.
CHARACTER
Char"ac*ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Charactered.]
1. To engrave; to inscribe. [R.] These trees shall be my books. And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character. Shak.
2. To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize. [R.] Mitford.
CHARACTERISM
Char"ac*ter*ism, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A distinction of character; a characteristic. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
CHARACTERISTIC
Char`ac*ter*is"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. charactéristique.]
Defn: Pertaining to, or serving to constitute, the character; showing the character, or distinctive qualities or traits, of a person or thing; peculiar; distinctive. Characteristic clearness of temper. Macaulay.
CHARACTERISTIC
Char`ac*ter*is"tic, n.
1. A distinguishing trait, quality, or property; an element of character; that which characterized. Pope. The characteristics of a true critic. Johnson.