n.1 a symbol or representation typifying or identifying an institution, quality, etc.
2 (foll. by of) (of a person) the type (the very emblem of courage).
3 a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge.
Derivatives:
emblematic adj. emblematical adj. emblematically adv.
Etymology: ME f. L emblema f. Gk emblema -matos insertion f. emballo throw in (as EN-(1), ballo throw)