a mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum by the British assay offices, certifying their standard of purity (经英国检验机构检验,在金、银或铂金制品上打的)纯度印记 ■a distinctive feature, especially one of excellence (尤指表示品质优良的)特点,特征 the tiny bubbles are the hallmark of fine champagnes. 细微的气泡是优质香槟酒的特征。
verb
[with obj.]stamp with a hallmark 给…打上纯度印记 ■designate as distinctive, especially for excellence 标明…具有优秀品质;标明…具有某种特征
语源
early 18th cent. (as a noun): from Goldsmiths' Hall in London, where articles were tested and stamped with such a mark