Idol, n.

n. [Fr. idole, Pr. & O. It. idola, It., Sp., & Pg. idolo, Lat. idolum, Gr. εἴδωλον, from εἶδος, that which is seen, the form, shape, figure, from εἰδεῖν, ἰδεῖν, to see.]

1Sense 1. An image, form, or representation of any thing.

Pallas her favors varied, and addressed An idol that Iphthima did present In structure of her every lineament. Chapman.

2Sense 2. An image of a divinity; a representation or symbol of a deity, made as an object of worship. “That they should not worship devils and idols of gold.” Rev. ix. 20.

3Sense 3. Hence, that on which the affections are strongly, excessively, and improperly set; a person or thing greatly loved or adored. “The soldier’s god and people’s idol.” Denham.

4Sense 4. A deceitful image; a likeness mistaken for the object itself; a phantom; a fatuity. “The idols of preconceived opinion.” Coleridge.