1. Pertaining to characters or modes of writing used by the ancient Egyptians (or by transference, other peoples), consisting of figures of objects directly or figuratively representing words (picture-writing), or, in certain circumstances, syllables or letters.
2. A picture relating to a word or notion; especially, one symbolizing something which it does not directly figure (like many of the Egyptian hieroglyphs); hence, a figure, device, or sign, having some hidden meaning; a secret or enigmatical symbol, an emblem; a hieroglyph.
3. Of the nature of an Egyptian or similar hieroglyph; written in or consisting of hieroglyphics.
4. Of the nature of a hieroglyph; having a hidden meaning; symbolical, emblematic.
5. Containing or inscribed with hieroglyphs.