noun

1. Historical a picture with a motto or verses, allegorically suggesting some moral truth, etc.
2. a visible symbol of a thing, idea, class of people, etc.; object or representation that stands for or suggests something else the cross is an emblem of Christianity
3. a sign, badge, or device

Etymology: orig., inlaid work < L emblema < Gr emblēma, insertion < emballein < en-, in + ballein, to throw, put: see ball

transitive verb