Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Character

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CHARAC'TER (χαρακτήρ). In general, any sign, note, or mark, stamped, engraved, or otherwise impressed upon any substance, like the device upon coins, seals, &c.; and in a more special sense, the brand or mark burnt into the flanks of oxen, sheep, or horses, in order to distinguish the breed, certify the ownership, or for other purposes of a similar nature, as in the example (Character/1.1), which shows the brand upon a race-horse, from a small antique bronze. Columell. xi. 2. 14.

2. The iron instrument with which such marks were made. Isidor. Orig. xx. 7.

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  Character/1.1