释义 |
totem /tōˈtəm/ noun- (esp in Native American society) any species of living or inanimate thing regarded, and often venerated, as an outward symbol of an existing intimate unseen relation, often adopted as an emblem or symbol of a family, clan or tribe
- Any outward symbol given undue respect
ORIGIN: From Algonquin totemic /-temˈik/ adjective tōˈtemism noun - The use of totems as the foundation of a social system of obligation and restriction
- The rituals, customs and taboos associated with this
tōˈtemist noun An individual or group designated by a totem totemistˈic adjective totem pole noun - A pole carved and painted with totemic symbols, set up by indigenous peoples in the north-west of N America, eg as a tribal symbol
- A hierarchical system (informal)
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