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ich suggests an idea or quality, or another thing, as by resemblance or by convention; an emblem; a representation; a type; a figure; 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 represe…

; as, symbolism in Christian art is the representation of truth, virtues, vices, etc., by emblematic colors, signs, and forms.

ither the cotton thistle, or the musk thistle, or the spear thistle; -- all used national emblems of Scotland. -- Sow thistle, Sonchus oleraceus. -- Spear thistle. Same as Bull thistle. -- Star thistle, a species of Centaurea. See Centaurea. -- Torch thistle, a candelabra-shaped plant of the genus Cereus. See Cereu…

re. Chaucer. Truelove knot, a complicated, involved knot that does not readily untie; the emblem of interwoven affection or engagement; -- called also true-lover's knot.

The mark or impression of something; stamp; impressed sign; emblem. The faith they have in tennis, and tall stockings, Short blistered breeches, and those types of travel. Shak.

Of the nature of a type; representing something by a form, model, or resemblance; emblematic; prefigurative. The Levitical priesthood was only typical of the Christian. Atterbury.

Of or pertaining to the act or act of representing by types or symbols; emblematic; figurative; typical. [Obs.] Johnson.

The act or art of expressing by means of types or symbols; emblematical or hieroglyphic representation. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

A device emblematic of union, used on a national flag or ensign, sometimes, as in the military standard of Great Britain, covering the whole field; sometimes, as in the flag of the United States, and the English naval and marine flag, occupying the upper inner corner, the rest of the flag being called the fly. Also, a…

and neck, represented on the front of the headdresses of divinities and sovereigns as an emblem of supreme power.

A rod or staff, carried as an emblem of authority; as, the verge, carried before a dean.

One who carries a verge, or emblem of office. Specifically: --

the genus Salix, including many species, most of which are characterized often used as an emblem of sorrow, desolation, or desertion. "A wreath of willow to show my forsaken plight." Sir W. Scott. Hence, a lover forsaken by, or having lost, the person beloved, is said to wear the willow. And I must wear the willow garl…

As an emblem of immensity, a great multitude or quantity; a large number. "A world of men." Chapman. "A world of blossoms for the bee." Bryant. Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company. Shak. A world of woes dispatched in little space. Dryden. All . . . in the world, all that exists; all that is possible; as, all the…

e letters separate or, oftener, in a monogram, often inclosed in a circle, as a symbol or emblem of Christ. It use as an emblem was introduced by Constantine the Great, whence it is known as the Constantinian symbol, or monogram. See Labarum.