Definition of "physiognomy"

physiognomy

/fɪziˈɒnəmi/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural physiognomies
1. The art or pseudoscience of deducing the predominant temper and other characteristic qualities of the mind from the outward appearance, especially from the features of the face.
2. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.
  Quotations
  Faith ſir a has an Engliſh maine, but his fiſnomie is more hotter in France then there.
  c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene v], page 251, column 2
3. The art of telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
4. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics.