TOTEM

totem

(noun) emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant; serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians)

totem

(noun) a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

totem (plural totems)

Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family.

The representation of such object or creature.

The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.

An arbitrarily chosen object serving as a reminder to check whether one is awake or not, to aid in having lucid dreams.

Anagrams

• motet, motte

Source: Wiktionary

To"tem, n. Etym: [Massachusetts Indian wutohtimoin that to which a person or place belongs.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition