Obs. (Also in L. form.) [ad. L. symbola, a. Gr. συμβολή, f. συμβάλλειν (see SYMBOL sb.1). Cf. obs. F. symbole ‘a shot, a collation’ (Cotgr.).] A contribution (properly to a feast or picnic); a share, portion.
Quot. 1627 echoes the L. phr. symbolarum collatores (Plautus), those who contribute their shot to a feast.
1627. B. Jonson, in Drayton, Battle Agincourt, etc. Pref. Verses a j. This reck’ning I will pay, Without conferring symboles.
1653. Jer. Taylor, Serm. for Year, Winter, i. 3. The persons who are to be judged … shall all appear to receive ther Symbol. Ibid., xx. 271. He refused to pay his Symbol, which himself and all the company had agreed should be given.
a. 1661. Fuller, Worthies, Chester (1662), I. 291. Let me contribute my Symbole on this Subject.
1667. Oldenburg, in Phil. Trans., II. 414. That they would be pleased … to joyn their Symbola’s, and to send in their Proposals.
1683. A. Hill, Life Barrow, B.’s Wks. 1687, I. c 2. I wish they [sc. his friends] would … bring in their Symbols toward the History of his Life.
1767. A. Campbell, Lexiph. (1774), 57. Misocapelus instigated by the ramifications of private friendship disbursed the symbol.
1822. Lamb, Elia, Ser. I. Compl. Decay Beggars. To have sat down at the cripples’ feast, and to have thrown in his benediction, ay, and his mite too, for a companionable symbol.
