dentify an object; as, a copper-colored
skin, high cheek-bones, and straight, black hair are _characteristics_
of the American Indian. A _sign_ is manifest to an observer; a _mark_ or
a _characteristic_ may be more difficult to discover; an insensible
person may show _signs_ of life, while sometimes only close examination
will disclose _marks_ of violence. Pallor is ordinarily a _mark_ of
fear; but in some brave natures it is simply a _characteristic_ of
intense earnestness. _Mark_ is sometimes used in a good, but often in a
bad sense; we speak of the _characteristic_ of a gentleman, the _mark_
of a villain. Compare ATTRIBUTE; CHARACTER.

* * * * *

CHARMING.

Synonyms:

bewitching, delightful, enrapturing, fascinating,
captivating, enchanting, entrancing, winning.

That is _charming_ or _bewitching_ which is adapted to win others as by
a magic spell. _Enchanting_, _enrapturing_, _entrancing_ represent the
influence as not only supernatural, but irresistible and _delightful_.
That which is _fascinating_ may win without delighting, drawing by some
unseen power, as a serpent its prey; we can speak of horrible
_fascination_. _Charming_ applies only to what is external to oneself;
_delightful_ may apply to personal experiences or emotions as well; we
speak of a _charming_ manner, a _charming_ dress, but of _delightful_
anticipations. Compare AMIABLE; BEAUTIFUL.

* * * * *

CHASTEN.

Synonyms:

afflict, chastise, discipline, punish, refine, subdue,
castigate, correct, humble, purify, soften, try.

_Castigate_ and _chastise_ refer strictly to corporal punishment, tho
both are somewhat archaic; _correct_ and _punish_ are often used as
euphemisms in preference to either. _Punish_ is distinctly retributive
in sense; _chastise_, partly retributive, and partly corrective;
_chasten_, wholly corrective. _Chasten_ is used exclusively in the
spiritual sense, and chiefly of the visitation of God.

Prepositions:

"We are chastened _of_ the Lord," _1 Cor._ xi, 32; "they ... chastened
us _after_ their own pleasure, but He _for_ our profit," _Heb._ xii, 10;
"chasten _in_ thy hot displeasure," _Ps._ iv, 7; chasten _with_ pain;
_by_ trials and sorrows.

* * * * *

CHERISH.

Synonyms:

cheer, encourage, harbor, nurse, shelter,
cling to, entertain, hold dear, nurture, treasur