Cipher /(?)/

1. A character [0] which, standing by itself, expresses nothing, but when placed at the right hand of a whole number, increases its value tenfold. (Arith.)
2. One who, or that which, has no weight or influence.

   Here he was a mere cipher.

3. 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.

4. 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.
5. 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.

1. Of the nature of a cipher; of no weight or influence.

imp. & p. p. Ciphered; p. pr. & vb. n. Ciphering

1. To use figures in a mathematical process; to do sums in arithmetic.

   'T was certain he could write and cipher too.

1. To write in occult characters.

   His notes he ciphered with Greek characters.

2. To get by ciphering; as, to cipher out the answer.
3. To decipher. [Obs.]
4. To designate by characters. [Obs.]