symbolics
(sɪmˈbɒlɪks)
[pl. of symbolic used subst. (see -ics, -ic 2), chiefly after G. symbolik or F. symbolique.]
† 1. The use of written symbols, as in mathematics. Obs.
| 1657 Hobbes Absurd Geom. Wks. 1845 VII. 379 The best masters of symbolics. |
2. The study of creeds and confessions of faith, as a branch of theology.
| 1847 Webster, Symbolics, the science of creeds. 1885 Schaff Christ & Chr. 5 The new name of Symbolics, which includes Irenics as well as Polemics. Symbolics is the science of symbols or creeds. It is comparative dogmatics. 1907 C. G. M{supc}Crie Confessions Ch. Scot. v. 209 Professor Philip Schaff..the greatest Protestant authority on Symbolics, set forth the uses of creeds in four particulars. |
3. The study of symbols, or of symbolic rites and ceremonies, as a branch of anthropology.
| 1850 Ogilvie, Symbolics, the name given by the Germans to the study of the symbols and mysterious rites of antiquity. |