HALLMARK

PRONUNCIATION: (HAHL-mark)

MEANING: noun:
1. A mark of quality, genuineness, or excellence.
2. A distinguishing feature or characteristic.

ETYMOLOGY: After Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where articles of gold and silver were appraised and stamped. Earliest documented use: 1721.

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HAIL MARK - Caesar turned down the crown three times, and eventually an exasperated Mark Anthony accepted it

HULLMARK - lines panted on the hull of a boat to indicate how deep she's riding in the water

HALLMASK - something you wear in school to protect against airborne disease; formerly, something you wore in school so the teachers and the monitors wouldn't know who you are