CIPHER

A character [0] which, standing by itself, expresses nothing, but when placed at the right hand of a whole number, increases its value tenfold.

One who, or that which, has no weight or influence. Here he was a mere cipher. W. Irving.

A character in general, as a figure or letter. [Obs.] This wisdom began to be written in ciphers and characters and letters bearing the forms of creatures. Sir W. Raleigh.

A combination or interweaving of letters, as the initials of a name; a device; a monogram; as, a painter's cipher, an engraver's cipher, etc. The cut represents the initials N. W.

A private alphabet, system of characters, or other mode of writing, contrived for the safe transmission of secrets; also, a writing in such characters. His father . . . engaged him when he was very young to write all his letters to England in cipher. Bp. Burnet. Cipher key, a key to assist in reading writings in cipher.

Of the nature of a cipher; of no weight or influence. "Twelve cipher bishops." Milton.

To use figures in a mathematical process; to do sums in arithmetic. "T was certain he could write and cipher too. Goldsmith.

To write in occult characters. His notes he ciphered with Greek characters. Hayward.

To get by ciphering; as, to cipher out the answer.

To decipher. [Obs.] Shak.

To designate by characters. [Obs.] Shak.