Sym"bol (?), n. [L. symbolus, symbolum, Gr. sy`mbolon a sign by which
one knows or infers a thing, from &?; to throw or put together, to
compare; sy`n with + &?; to throw: cf. F. symbole. Cf. Emblem,
Parable.] 1. A visible sign or representation of an idea; anything
which 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 represent the whole, or a lower form or
species used as the representative of a higher in the same kind.
Coleridge.
2. (Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a
relation, or an abbreviation.
In crystallography, the symbol of a plane is the numerical expression
which defines its position relatively to the assumed axes.
3. (Theol.) An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or
a summary of the articles of religion.
4. [Gr. &?; contributions.] 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 come to pay their
symbol in a war or in a plague.
Jer. Taylor.