English edit

Etymology edit

From physiognomy +‎ -ist.

Noun edit

physiognomist (plural physiognomists)

  1. One who studies, or is an expert in, physiognomy; one who studies the outer appearance of the person (primarily the face) to acquire knowledge of the inner personality.
    • 1836, “Boz” [pseudonym; Charles Dickens], Sketches by “Boz,” Illustrative of Every-day Life, and Every-day People. [], volumes (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Macrone, [], →OCLC, chapter 8:
      We shall never be able to claim any credit as a physiognomist again, for, after a careful scrutiny of this gentleman's countenance, we had come to the conclusion that it bespoke nothing but conceit and silliness, when our friend with the silver staff whispered in our ear that he was no other than a doctor of civil law.

Translations edit