TOTEM To"tem, n. Etym: [Massachusetts Indian wutohtimoin that to which a person or place belongs.]
Defn: A rude picture, as of a bird, beast, or the like, used by the
Nord American Indians as a symbolic designation, as of a family or a
clan.
And they painted on the grave posts Of the graves, yet unforgotten,
Each his own ancestral totem Each the symbol of his household;
Figures of the bear and reindeer, Of the turtle, crane, and beaver.
Longfellow.
The totem,the clan deity, the beast or bird who in some supernatural
way attends tothe clan and watches over it. Bagehot.
TOTEMIC
To*tem"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a totem, or totemism.
TOTEMISM
To"tem*ism, n.
1. The system of distinguishing families, clans, etc., in a tribe by the totem.
2. Superstitious regard for a totem; the worship of any real or imaginary object; nature worship. Tylor.
TOTEMIST
To"tem*ist, n.
Defn: One belonging to a clan or tribe having a totem.
— To`tem*is"tic, a.
TOTEM POLE; TOTEM POST
To"tem pole or post.