— hallmarker , n.
/hawl"mahrk'/ , n.
1. an official mark or stamp indicating a standard of purity, used in marking gold and silver articles assayed by the Goldsmiths' Company of London; plate mark.
2. any mark or special indication of genuineness, good quality, etc.
3. any distinguishing feature or characteristic: Accuracy is a hallmark of good scholarship.
v.t.
4. to stamp or imprint (something) with a hallmark.
[ 1715-25; Goldsmiths' Hall, London, the seat of the Goldsmiths' Company + MARK 1 ]