cardinal trait

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. a basic and dominant characteristic, as greed or ambition, that, according to a theory developed by psychologist Gordon Allport (1936), controls the behavior of many people.

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Example Sentences

"One further cardinal trait, which is in a sense a result of the preceding traits, has to be named—the ability to discern inconspicuous analogies."

From Herbert Spencer by Thomson, J. Arthur (John Arthur)

The spirit of gallantry, inspiring devotion to woman, especially the chosen object of love, and protection to womanly weakness, was always a cardinal trait of the chivalric temper.

From Outline of Universal History by Fisher, George Park