noun

1. a sign, indication, or symbol a token of one's affection
2. something serving as a sign of authority, identity, genuineness, etc.
3. a distinguishing mark or feature
4. 1. a keepsake
   2. a sample
5. a piece of stamped metal, etc. with a face value higher than its real value, issued as a substitute for currency, for use as fare on a transportation line, etc.
6. a person, as an employee, whose presence in a group is supposed to indicate absence of discrimination, as in race

Etymology: ME < OE tacn, akin to Ger zeichen < IE base *dei-, to point, show > teach, toe, digit, diction

transitive verb

adjective

1. by way of a token, symbol, etc. a token gesture
2. merely simulated; slight or of no real account token resistance
3. serving merely to fill a symbolic role, a quota, etc.