to·ken
(tṓkən)
[Middle English, from Old English tācen.]
noun
- Something serving as an indication, proof, or expression of something else; a sign: “Tears are queer tokens of happiness” (Eugene O'Neill) See synonyms at sign
- Something that signifies or evidences authority, validity, or identity: The scepter is a token of regal status.
- A distinguishing feature or characteristic.
- One that represents a group, as an employee whose presence is used to deflect from the employer criticism or accusations of discrimination.
- A keepsake or souvenir.
- A piece of stamped metal used as a substitute for currency: subway tokens.
transitive verb: -kened, -ken·ing, -kens.
- To betoken or symbolize; portend.
adjective
- Done as an indication or a pledge: a token payment.
- Perfunctory; minimal: a token gesture of reconciliation; token resistance.
- Merely symbolic: refused to be the token woman on the committee.
idioms
- by the same token
- In like manner; similarly.
- in token of
- As an indication of: a ring given in token of love.
