to serve as a representation [v SYMBOLED or SYMBOLLED, SYMBOLLING, SYMBOLS]
to serve as a symbol (a representation) of [v SYMBOLED, SYMBOLING, SYMBOLLED, SYMBOLLING, SYMBOLS]
an authoritative summary of faith or doctrine creed
visible sign of something invisible the lion is a symbol of courage
arbitrary or conventional sign used in writing or printing relating to a particular field to represent operations, quantities, elements, relations, or qualities
object or act representing something in the unconscious mind that has been repressed phallic symbols
act, sound, or object having cultural significance and the capacity to excite or objectify a response