'Hall-mark' definitions:

Definition of 'Hall-mark'

From: GCIDE
  • Hall-mark \Hall"-mark`\ (h[add]l"m[aum]rk`), n.
  • 1. The official stamp of the Goldsmiths' Company and other assay offices, in the United Kingdom, on gold and silver articles, attesting their purity. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence, [figuratively]: A distinguishing characteristic or characteristics; as, a word or phrase lacks the hall-mark of the best writers. [1913 Webster +PJC]