something selected to show the similarity or likeness in some respect or all respects with another; an example.

one of a numer of things taken to show the character of the whole.

a previous instance quoted, considered for its similarity with the present or a subsequent one.

the act of showing.

that which is seen at one instance.

a thing happening supposed to foretell a future event.

attention; consideration.

(rhet.) a figure of speech in which an example is quoted to make the meaning clear or more vivid.