I. ˈtō-kən noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction
Date: before 12th century
1. : an outward sign or expression
his tears were token s of his grief
2.
a. : symbol , emblem
a white flag is a token of surrender
b. : an instance of a linguistic expression
3. : a distinguishing feature : characteristic
4.
a. : souvenir , keepsake
b. : a small part representing the whole : indication
this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish
c. : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)
5.
a. : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government
b. : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms
6. : a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism ; especially : a token employee
Synonyms: see sign
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- by the same token
II. adjective
Date: 1915
1. : done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement
a token payment
2.
a. : representing no more than a symbolic effort : minimal , perfunctory
token resistance
token integration
b. : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination
a token female employee