The Collaborative International Dictionary
Physiognomy \Phys`i*og"no*my\, n.; pl. Physiognomies. [OE. fisonomie, phisonomie, fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F. physiognomie, physiognomonie, from Gr. ?; fy`sis nature + ? one who knows or examines, a judge, fr. ?, ?, to know. See Physic, and Know, and cf. Phiz.]
The art and science of discovering the predominant temper, and other characteristic qualities of the mind, by the outward appearance, especially by the features of the face.
The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.
The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features. [Obs.]
--Bale.The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.
Wiktionary
n. (plural of physiognomy English)
Usage examples of "physiognomies".
Racial variations were conspicuous on faces, and in physiognomies, of townspeople.
They are surrounded by ring after concentric ring of cops, media, and law-firm minions--collectively, what Tolkien would call Men--and a few non or post-human creatures imbued with peculiar physiognomies and vaguely magical powers: Dwarves (steady, productive, surly) and Elves (brilliant in a more ethereal way).
Not only the thought of a second encounter with the ticket-seller but also the insolent stares with which total strangers mustered our physiognomies shamed us out of lengthening the line.