charactery

American  

[kar-ik-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˈkær ɪk tə ri, -tri /

noun

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

2. characters or symbols collectively.

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charactery British  

/ ˈkærɪktərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. the use of symbols to express thoughts

2. the group of symbols so used

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Etymology

Origin of charactery

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

Example Sentences

Without thinking, I wrote them in Dr. Bright's charactery.

From Literature

It was one of a small edition Dr. Bright had printed up the year before, with the abundant title, Charactery: An Art of Short, Swift, and Secret Writing.

From Literature

"I ken that, but—" "Let me finish, then ask questions. When you go to London, you will attend a performance of a play called The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. You will copy it in Dr. Bright's 'charactery' and you will deliver it to me. Now. Any questions?"

From Literature

I had failed even to make fruitful use of the one skill I did possess—the art of charactery.

From Literature

And I would many times identify more with the charactery role because it was so much more complex and interesting to me.

From Washington Times