v. [f. as prec. + -IZE.]
1. trans. Of things: To serve as an emblem of; to express or represent mystically, allusively or allegorically.
1615. W. Hull, Mirrour of Maiestie, 134. The vanity of these fading crownes was emblematized by that solemne ceremonie.
c. 1630. Jackson, Creed, V. § 43. A worse error than can rightly be emblematized by Ixion’s fabulous imaginations.
1823. Lamb, in Life & Lett. (1840), xii. 119. The goose and little goslings should emblematise a Quaker poet that has no children.
1870. Goulburn, Cathedral Syst., iii. 37. The tabernacle and temple worship was framed to emblematize the worship of heaven.
2. Of persons: To represent by means of an emblem; to figure.
1830. Moir, in Fraser’s Mag., II. 408. The American poet, who emblematizes departing man, as folding his mantle round him, and lying down to pleasant dreams.
1854. Blackw. Mag., LXXVI. 509. I emblematised civilisation, in the Chinese lady in japan-gilt frame.
Hence Emblematizing ppl. a.
1751. Mrs. Montagu, Lett., III. 773. The good man … to an emblematizing genius would have afforded an ample subject.
