Something that is supposed to typify or stand for something else. Many symbols are mere "survivals" - as funereal urns carved on memorial monuments. We cannot stop making them, but we can give them a name that conceals our helplessness.

BEGGAR, n. One who has relied on the assistance of his friends.

DECIDE, v.i. To succumb to the preponderance of one set of influences over another set.

INDISCRETION, n. The guilt of woman.

A book which the Mohammedans foolishly believe to have been written by divine inspiration, but which Christians know to be a wicked imposture, contradictory to the Holy Scriptures.

Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

Experience - the wisdom that enables us to recognise in an undesirable old acquaintance the folly that we have already embraced.