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hallmark

hall·mark [ háwl mrk ]


noun  (plural hall·marks)
Definition:
 
1. mark of quality: a mark showing that something is of high quality

2. distinguishing mark: a feature of something that distinguishes it from others
Discreet service is the hallmark of a fine restaurant.

3. official mark on precious metal: in Great Britain, a mark stamped on articles made of gold, silver, or platinum to show that the metal used meets the proper standards of purity



transitive verb  (past and past participle hall·marked, present participle hall·mark·ing, 3rd person present singular hall·marks)
Definition:
 
stamp something with mark indicating quality: to stamp an object made of gold, silver, or platinum to show that the metal used meets the proper standards of purity

[Early 18th century. After Goldsmiths' Hall in London]
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