Hypertext Webster Gateway: "swastika"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Swastika \Swas"ti*ka\, Swastica \Swas"ti*ca\, n. [Also
{suastica}, {svastika}, etc.] [Skr. svastika, fr. svasti
walfare; su well + asti being.]
A symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the
ends of the arms at right angles all in the same direction,
and each prolonged to the height of the parallel arm of the
cross. A great many modified forms exist, ogee and volute as
well as rectilinear, while various decorative designs, as
Greek fret or meander, are derived from or closely associated
with it. The swastika is found in remains from the Bronze Age
in various parts of Europe, esp. at Hissarlik (Troy), and was
in frequent use as late as the 10th century. It is found in
ancient Persia, in India, where both Jains and Buddhists used
(or still use) it as religious symbol, in China and Japan,
and among Indian tribes of North, Central, and South America.
It is usually thought to be a charm, talisman, or religious
token, esp. a sign of good luck or benediction. Max M["u]Ller
distinguished from the swastika, with arms prolonged to the
right, the suavastika, with arms prolonged to the left, but
this distinction is not commonly recognized. Other names for
the swastika are {fylfot} and {gammadion}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Fyllot \Fyl"lot\, n. [Prov. fr. AS. fy?erf?te, fierf?te,
fe['o]werf?te. See {Four}, and {Foot}, n.]
A rebated cross, formerly used as a secret emblem, and a
common ornament. It is also called {gammadion}, and
{swastika}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
swastika
n : the official emblem of the Nazi Party and the German Third
Reich; a cross with the arms bent at right angles in a
clockwise direction [syn: {Hakenkreuz}]
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