Hallmark

/ˈhɔːlmɑːrk/ noun

A hallmark is a special mark or feature that shows something is genuine or of high quality. More generally, it can mean a typical or defining characteristic of a person, group, or thing.

From “hall” + “mark,” originally the official stamp put on precious metals at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London to show purity. Over time, it came to mean any sign of quality or authenticity.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb