n. [ Gr. fy`sis nature + kratei^n to rule. ] One of the followers of Quesnay of France, who, in the 18th century, founded a system of political economy based upon the supremacy of natural order. F. A. Walker. -- Phys`i*o*crat"ic a. [1913 Webster]

n. [ Gr. fy`sis nature + root of gi`gnesqai to be born. ] (Biol.) The germ history of the functions, or the history of the development of vital activities, in the individual, being one of the branches of ontogeny. See Morphogeny. Haeckel. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Physiognomist. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Gr. fysiognwmoniko`s: cf. F. physiognomonique. ] Of or pertaining to physiognomy; according with the principles of physiognomy. -- Phys`i*og*nom"ic*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n. Same as Physiognomy, 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. physiognomiste. ] 1. One skilled in physiognomy. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who tells fortunes by physiognomy. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To observe and study the physiognomy of. [ R. ] Southey. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Physiognomic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Physiognomies [ OE. fisonomie, phisonomie, fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F. physiognomie, physiognomonie, from Gr. fysiognwmoni`a; fy`sis nature + gnw`mwn one who knows or examines, a judge, fr. gnw^mai, gignw`skein, 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The face or countenance, especially viewed as an indication of the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features. [ Obs. ] Bale. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. fy`sis nature + go`nos birth. ] The birth of nature. [ R. ] Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]