charactery

[ kar-ik-tuh-ree, -tree ]

noun

1. the use of characters or symbols for the expression of meaning.
2. characters or symbols collectively.

charactery

/ ˈkærɪktərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. the use of symbols to express thoughts
2. the group of symbols so used

Word History and Origins

Origin of charactery¹

First recorded in 1580–90; character + -y ³

Example Sentences

Here is a shell; 'tis pearly blank to me, Nor mark'd with any sign or charactery– Canst thou read aught?

From Project Gutenberg

So in Keats: "Before high-piled books in charactery Hold like rich garners the full-ripen'd grain."

From Project Gutenberg

She became very pale, and a rigid and desolate charactery took possession of her face.

From Project Gutenberg

The teeming tree Had swollen and green'd the pious charactery, But not ta'en out.

From Project Gutenberg

II.125 charactery: "writing by characters or strange marks."

From Project Gutenberg