Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TOKEN
I. noun see: diction Date: before 12th century an outward sign or expression ,
2. symbol , emblem , an instance of a linguistic expression, a distinguishing feature ; characteristic ,
4. souvenir , keepsake , a small part representing the whole ; indication , something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity),
5. a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government, a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms, a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism, see: sign
II. adjective
Date: 1915
done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement ,
2. representing no more than a symbolic effort ; minimal , perfunctory , serving or intended to show absence of discrimination