Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - physiognomy

 noun  (plural -mies)  Etymology: Middle English phisonomie, from Anglo-French phisenomie, from Late Latin physiognomonia, physiognomia, from Greek physiognomonia, from physiognomon judging character by the features, from physis nature, physique, appearance + gnomon interpreter — more at gnomon  Date: 14th century  1. the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance  2. the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression  3. external aspect; also inner character or quality revealed outwardly