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."
2.(Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation. Note: 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.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."
5.Share; allotment. (Obs.) "The persons who are to be judged... shall all appear to receive their symbol."
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