idol



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Idol \I"dol\, n. [OE. idole, F. idole, L. idolum, fr. Gr. ?, fr.
   ? that which is seen, the form, shape, figure, fr. ? to see.
   See Wit, and cf. Eidolon.]
   1. An image or representation of anything. [Obs.]
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            Do her adore with sacred reverence,
            As th' idol of her maker's great magnificence.
                                                  --Spenser.
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   2. An image of a divinity; a representation or symbol of a
      deity or any other being or thing, made or used as an
      object of worship; a similitude of a false god.
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            That they should not worship devils, and idols of
            gold.                                 --Rev. ix. 20.
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   3. That on which the affections are strongly (often
      excessively) set; an object of passionate devotion; a
      person or thing greatly loved or adored.
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            The soldier's god and people's idol.  --Denham.
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   4. A false notion or conception; a fallacy. --Bacon.
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            The idols of preconceived opinion.    --Coleridge.
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