emblem
/ˈɛmbləm
/noun
1A heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family: America’s national emblem, the bald eagle...
- These liveries came to be distinguished by heraldic insignia and emblems.
- It reflects much of Canterbury's early history being decorated outside and inside with the heraldic emblems of early settlers, governors and supporters of the Summit Road Scheme.
- On the wings of the building are heraldic emblems of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Synonyms
symbol, representation, token, image, figure, mark, sign;
crest, badge, device, insignia, stamp, seal, design, heraldic device, coat of arms, shield;
logo, trademark
1.1 (emblem of) A thing serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept: our child would be a dazzling emblem of our love...
- He is struck by the fact that this great emblem of romantic love is one, not of intimacy, but rather of separation.
- It's that evil emblem of capitalism the socialists so bravely battled.
- His body is an angular, jutting emblem of a body uncomfortable everywhere.
Origin
Late 16th century (as a verb): from Latin emblema 'inlaid work, raised ornament', from Greek emblēma 'insertion', from emballein 'throw in, insert', from em- 'in' + ballein 'to throw'.