a. [f. late L. symbolicus: see prec. and -ICAL.]
1. = prec. 1.
1620. T. Granger, Div. Logike, 176. The Primarie [distribution], is when the totall proper[ly] so called is distinguished into true, and symbolicall parts [margin, symbols or notes of the causes or effects].
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., I. iv. 16. By this incroachment Idolatry first crept in, men converting the symbolicall use of Idols into their proper worship.
1657–83. Evelyn, Hist. Relig. (1850), I. 20. Some … made it [sc. an egg] symbolical of the world.
1681. B. Keach, Tropologia (1779), 230. By which typical and symbolical Image the four universal Kingdoms … are … shadowed.
1681–6. J. Scott, Chr. Life, II. vii. § 5 (1718), 401. His laying his Hand upon the Head of his Sacrifice, was a Symbolical Action.
1793. Horsley, Serm., Luke iv. 18–19 (1816), I. 215. Our Lord’s miracles, which, for the most part, were actions distinctly symbolical of one or other of the spiritual benefits of the redemption.
1848. Lytton, Harold, I. i. A small circular table … supported by symbolical monsters quaintly carved.
1862. Burton, Bk. Hunter (1863), 64. The hand pouring oil into a lamp … symbolical of the nutriment supplied to the intellectual flame.
1874. Micklethwaite, Mod. Par. Churches, 6. Ceremonial was sometimes symbolical.
2. = prec. 2.
1654. J. Webster, Acad. Examen, 24. The Hieroglyphical, Emblematical, Symbolical and Cryptographical learning.
1656. trans. Hobbes’ Elem. Philos. (1839), 316. This doth not properly belong to Algebra, or the analytics specious, symbolical, or cossick; which are, as I may say the brachygraphy of the analytics.
1660. Barrow, Euclid, Pref. (1714), 3. Those who are delighted more with symbolical than verbal Demonstrations.
1805–17. R. Jameson, Char. Min. (ed. 3), 184. In order to prevent beginners from finding any thing ambiguous in the symbolical mode of writing.
1841. J. R. Young, Math. Dissert., Introd. 3. Some of the symbolical expressions most familiar to the algebraical student.
b. Math. = prec. 2 b.
1830. G. Peacock, Treat. Algebra, xi. (1845), II. 2. The operations … of Arithmetical and Symbolical Algebra. Ibid. The rules of operation in Symbolical Addition and Subtraction.
1846. Sir W. R. Hamilton, in Camb. & Dubl. Math. Jrnl., I. 45. The present paper is an attempt towards constructing a symbolical geometry.
1852. Sylvester, ibid., VII. 83. Take the symbolical product of the first line.
3. = prec. 3.
1607. Bp. Andrewes, Serm., Resurrection, ii. (1629), 399. Symbolicall Divinitie is good: but, might we see it in the rationall, too?
1650. Bulwer, Anthropomet., 124. They had a respect to a Symbolical intent.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Symbolical Philosophy, is that kinde of Learning and Wisdom, which … teach us how to make or expound those mystical and artificial bodies called Symboles.
1664. H. More, Myst. Iniq., vi. 16. Whether it be referred to God himself, or to his Symbolical presence in the Ark of the Covenant, it is manifest that the worship was intended to God.
a. 1682. Sir T. Browne, Tracts, 75. The mystery and symbolical sense is chiefly to be looked upon.
1816. J. Smith, Panorama Sci. & Art, II. 524. Bergman has adopted a symbolical mode of representing affinities.
1856. Max Müller, Chips (1867), II. xvi. 104, note. People who wished to find a symbolical significance in every act of their traditional ritual.
1899. W. R. Inge, Chr. Mysticism, vii. 261. The objective or symbolical type of Mysticism.
b. Sc. Law. Symbolical delivery, possession: see quot. 1838.
1681. Stair, Inst. Law Scot., xiii. § 17. 239. The delivery of Symbolical Possession, by the Superiour or his Bailzie, to the Vassal or his Acturney, by delivery of Earth and Stone, and other Symbols.
a. 1688. G. Dallas, Stiles, 45. Symbolical forms of giving sasine in Scotland.
1838. W. Bell, Dict. Law Scot., s.v. Delivery, Actual delivery of heritage is impracticable; but the law of Scotland has recognised a symbolical delivery, which is indispensable in the transference of such property. Ibid., s.v. Symbols, Heritable property is transferred by the delivery of symbols:… wherever sasine is requisite, the longest possession is insufficient without symbolical possession…. In giving sasine of lands, the symbols are earth and stone of the lands;… of fishings, net and cobble;… of patronage teinds, a shear of corn.
4. = prec. 4.
Symbolical books, (spec.) the authentic documents (the Confession of Augsburg, etc.) constituting the Lutheran confession of faith.
1745. Gleditsch’s Teutsch-Engl. Lex.
1764. Maclaine, trans. Mosheim’s Eccl. Hist., Cent. XVII. II. II. i. § 22. (1768), IV. 449. What the members of our communion call their Symbolical Books,… which … all candidates for the ministry would be obliged to subscribe, as containing the true and genuine doctrine of the Lutheran church.
1889. C. A. Briggs, Whither? 19. Most Christian Churches have such symbolical books, which constitute the standard of orthodoxy for their own church organizations.
1912. Ch. Q. Rev., July, 357. A maintenance of Symbolical doctrines.
† 5. = SYMBOLIZING ppl. a. 1 a. Obs. rare–1.
1667. O. Heywood, Heart-Treasure, xiv. 170. Transmutation is easie in Symbolical Elements, such as agree in some prime qualities.
