noun
- a person’s facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin
- the practice of assessing a person’s character or personality from their outer appearance, especially the face
Usage: historical practice
Examples
- The detective studied the suspect’s physiognomy for signs of deception.
- Her delicate physiognomy suggested a gentle nature.
- Victorian-era physiognomy claimed to predict criminal behavior from facial structure.
- The artist captured the subject’s distinctive physiognomy in the portrait.
- Modern science has debunked the pseudoscience of physiognomy.
- His stern physiognomy made him appear older than his years.