Sy̆m'bol, n.
n. [Fr. symbole, It. & Sp. simbolo, Lat. symbolus, symbolum, Gr. σύμβολον, a sign by which one knows or infers a thing, from συμβάλλειν, to throw or put together, to compare, from σύν, with, and βάλλειν, to throw.]
Sense 1. The sign or representation of something moral or intellectual by the images or properties of natural things; an emblem; a representation; as, the lion is the symbol of courage; the lamb is the symbol of meekness or patience.
A symbol is a sign included in the idea which it represents, e.g., an actual part chosen to represent the whole, or a lower form or species used as the representative of a higher in the same kind. S. T. Coleridge.
Sense 2. A letter or character which is significant; as, the Chinese letters are most of them symbols.
Sense 3. (Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation. Math. Dict.
Sense 4. (Theol.) An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; the creed, or a summary of the articles of religion. Baker.
Sense 5. Sentence of adjudication; lot. [Obs.]
Sense 6. That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty. [Obs.]
They do their work in the days of peace and a wealthy fortune, and come to pay their symbol in a war or in a plague. Bp. Taylor.
Syn.—Emblem; figure; type.