reek origin,
signifying a figure beaten out on a metallic vessel by blows from
within; also, a figure inlaid in wood, stone, or other material as a
copy of some natural object. The Greek word _symbolon_ denoted a
victor's wreath, a check, or any object that might be compared with, or
found to correspond with another, whether there was or was not anything
in the objects compared to suggest the comparison. Thus an _emblem_
resembles, a _symbol_ represents. An _emblem_ has some natural fitness
to suggest that for which it stands; a _symbol_ has been chosen or
agreed upon to suggest something else, with or without natural fitness;
a _sign_ does actually suggest the thing with or without reason, and
with or without intention or choice. A _symbol_ may be also an _emblem_;
thus the elements of bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are both
appropriate _emblems_ and his own chosen _symbols_ of suffering and
death. A statement of doctrine is often called a _symbol_ of faith; but
it is not an _emblem_. On the other hand, the same thing may be both a
_sign_ and a _symbol_; a letter of the alphabet is a _sign_ which
indicates a sound; but letters are often used as mathematical, chemical,
or astronomical _symbols_. A _token_ is something given or done as a
pledge or expression of feeling or intent; while the _sign_ may be
unintentional, the _token_ is voluntary; kind looks may be _signs_ of
regard; a gift is a _token_; a ring, which is a natural _emblem_ of
eternity, and also its accepted _symbol_, is frequently given as a
_token_ of friendship or love. A _figure_ in the sense here considered
is something that represents an idea to the mind somewhat as a form is
represented to the eye, as in drawing, painting, or sculpture; as
representing a future reality, a _figure_ may be practically the same as
a _type_. An _image_ is a visible representation, especially in
sculpture, having or supposed to have a close resemblance to that which
it represents. A _type_ is in religion a representation of a greater
reality to come; we speak of one object as the _type_ of the class whose
characteristics it exhibits, as in the case of animal or vegetable
_types_. An _attribute_ in art is some accessory used to characterize a
_figure_ or scene; the _attribute_ is often an _emblem_ or _symbol_;
thus the eagle is the _attribute_ of St. John as an _emblem_ of lofty
spiritual vision. Compare SIGN.

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