- a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group.
- an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
- a representation of a natural object, animate being, etc., that serves as the distinctive mark or emblem of a clan, family, or group.
- anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol.
- (in some societies, esp among North American Indians) an object, species of animal or plant, or natural phenomenon symbolizing a clan, family, etc, often having ritual associations
- a representation of such an object
