token Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an individual instance of a type of symbol
    item.
    • the word`error' contains three tokens of `r'
  2. noun something serving as a sign of something else
  3. noun a metal or plastic disk that can be redeemed or used in designated slot machines
  4. noun something of sentimental value
    souvenir; relic; keepsake.
  5. adjective satellite insignificantly small; a matter of form only (`tokenish' is informal)
    nominal; tokenish.
    • the fee was nominal
    • a token gesture of resistance
    • a toknenish gesture

WordNet

To"ken noun
Etymology
OE. token, taken, AS. tacen; akin to OFries. teken, OS. tekan, D. teeken, G. zeichen, OHG. Zeihhan, Icel. takan, teiken, Sw. tecken, Dan. tegn, Goth. taikns sign, token, gateihan to tell, show, AS. teón to accuse, G. zeihen, OHG. zihan, G. zeigen to show, OHG. zeigon, Icel. tja, L. dicere to say, Gr. to show, Skr. di. Cf. Diction, Teach.
Definitions
  1. Something intended or supposed to represent or indicate another thing or an event; a sign; a symbol; as, the rainbow is a token of God's covenant established with Noah.
  2. A memorial of friendship; something by which the friendship of another person is to be kept in mind; a memento; a souvenir.
    This is some token from a never friend. Shak.
  3. Something given or shown as a symbol or guarantee of authority or right; a sign of authenticity, of power, good faith, etc.
    Say, by this token, I desire his company. Shak.
  4. A piece of metal intended for currency, and issued by a private party, usually bearing the name of the issuer, and redeemable in lawful money. Also, a coin issued by government, esp. when its use as lawful money is limited and its intrinsic value is much below its nominal value. ✍ It is now made unlawful for private persons to issue tokens.
  5. (Med.) A livid spot upon the body, indicating, or supposed to indicate, the approach of death. Obs.
    Like the fearful tokens of the plague, Are mere forerunners of their ends. Beau. & Fl.
  6. (Print.) Ten and a half quires, or, commonly, 250 sheets, of paper printed on both sides; also, in some cases, the same number of sheets printed on one side, or half the number printed on both sides.
  7. (Ch. of Scot.) A piece of metal given beforehand to each person in the congregation who is permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper.
  8. (Mining) A bit of leather having a peculiar mark designating a particular miner. Each hewer sends one of these with each corf or tub he has hewn. W. Savage.
To"ken transitive verb
Etymology
AS. tacnian, fr. tacen token. See Token, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Tokened ; present participle & verbal noun Tokening
Definitions
  1. To betoken. Obs. Shak.

Webster 1913