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totemism

 - 3 dictionary results

to⋅tem⋅ism

  [toh-tuh-miz-uhm]
Use totemism in a Sentence
–noun
1. the practice of having totems.
2. the system of tribal division according to totems.
Origin:
1785–95, Americanism; totem + -ism

Related forms:
to⋅tem⋅is⋅tic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To totemism
to·tem·ism   (tō'tə-mĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. A belief in totems or in kinship through common affiliation to a totem.

  2. The practice of establishing affiliation through totems.

to'tem·ist n., to'tem·is'tic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

totemism [(toh-tuh-miz-uhm)]

The belief that people are descended from animals, plants, and other natural objects. Symbols of these natural ancestors, known as totems, are often associated with clans (groups of families tracing common descent). By representing desirable individual qualities (such as the swiftness of a deer) and helping to explain the mythical origin of the clan, totems reinforce clan identity and solidarity.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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