4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.

The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries.

W. Irving.

Syn. -- To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.

Char"ac*ter*less, a. Destitute of any distinguishing quality; without character or force.

Char"ac*ter*y (?), n. 1. The art or means of characterizing; a system of signs or characters; symbolism; distinctive mark.

Fairies use flowers for their charactery.

Shak.