A small object that represents something else, such as a coin‑like piece used instead of money, or a sign of a feeling or event. It can also mean something done only to appear fair or caring, not in a deep or real way.
From Old English 'tāc(e)n' meaning 'sign, symbol, evidence,' related to 'teach' and 'token' in other Germanic languages. The spelling shifted over time to 'token.' The sense of 'symbolic item' has remained central.
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