\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.
2. That which is charactered; the meaning. [Obs.]
         I will construe to thee All the charactery of my sad
         brows.                                --Shak.