01 n. A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
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1.
A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.“It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye.” — Holder.
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2.
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character.“You know the character to be your brother's?” — Shak.
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3.
The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.“The character or that dominion.” — Milton.“Know well each Ancient's proper character; His fable, subject, scope in every page; Religion, Country, genius of his Age.” — Pope.“A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.” — Motley.
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4.
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
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5.
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
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6.
Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
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7.
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.“This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.” — Addison.
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8.
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.[Colloq.]
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9.
A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Cæsar is a great historical character.
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10.
One of the persons of a drama or novel.