Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.]
   1. 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.

   2. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the
      mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of
      countenance, as denoting character.

   3. The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
      [Obs.] --Bale.

   4. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without
      reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the
      physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.

Source : WordNet®

physiognomy
     n : the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal
         terms for `face' and `phiz' is British) [syn: {countenance},
          {phiz}, {visage}, {kisser}, {smiler}, {mug}]