Noah Webster
Characterize
CHARACTERIZE, verb transitive
1. To give a character, or an account of the personal qualities of a man; to describe by peculiar qualities.
2. To distinguish; to mark, or express the character; to exhibit the peculiar qualities of a person or thing; as, humility characterizes the true Christian; the hero is characterized by bravery and magnanimity.
The system of mediation has characterized the entire scheme of divine dispensation.
3. To engrave or imprint.
4. To mark with a peculiar stamp, or figure.