Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Emblem
Em′blem
,Noun.
1.
Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.
[Obs.]
Milton.
2.
A visible sign of an idea; an object, or the figure of an object, symbolizing and suggesting another object, or an idea, by natural aptness or by association; a figurative representation; a typical designation; a symbol;
“His cicatrice, an emblem of war, here on his sinister cheek.” as, a balance is an
emblem
of justice; a scepter, the emblem
of sovereignty or power; a circle, the emblem
of eternity. Shak.
3.
A picture accompanied with a motto, a set of verse, or the like, intended as a moral lesson or meditation.
Syn. – Sign; symbol; type; device; signal; token.
– Sign
, Emblem
, Symbol
, Type
. Sign is the generic word comprehending all significant representations. An emblem is a visible object representing another by a natural suggestion of characteristic qualities, or an habitual and recognized association; as, a circle, having no apparent beginning or end, is an
. Between emblem and symbol the distinction is slight, and often one may be substituted for the other without impropriety. See emblem
of eternity; a particular flag is the emblem
of the country or ship which has adopted it for a sign and with which it is habitually associatedSymbol
. Thus, a circle is either an emblem or a symbol of eternity; a scepter, either an emblem or a symbol of authority; a lamb, either an emblem or a symbol of meekness. “An emblem is always of something simple; a symbol may be of something complex, as of a transaction . . . In consequence we do not speak of actions emblematic.” C. J. Smith.
A type is a representative example, or model, exhibiting the qualities common to all individuals of the class to which it belongs; as, the Monitor is a
. type
of a class of war vesselsEm′blem
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Emblemed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Embleming
.] To represent by an emblem; to symbolize.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Emblem
EM'BLEM
,Noun.
1.
Properly, inlay; inlayed or mosaic work; something inserted in the body of another.2.
A picture representing one thing to the eye, and another to the understanding; a painted enigma, or a figure representing some obvious history, instructing us in some moral truth. Such is the image of Scaevola holding his hand in the fire, with these words,'agere et pati fortiter Romanum est.' to do and to suffer with fortitude is Roman.3.
A painting or representation, intended to hold forth some moral or political instruction; an allusive picture; a typical designation. A balance is an emblem of justice; a crown is the emblem of royalty; a scepter, of power or sovereignty.4.
That which represents another thing in its predominant qualities. A white robe in scripture is an emblem of purity or righteousness; baptism, of purification.EM'BLEM
,Verb.
T.