(figurative) a
symbol of a hierarchy (
group of persons or things arranged in
order of
rank,
grade,
class, etc.). Literally, a totem
pole is a
pole on which some
Native Americans carved totems—figures of animals, plants or other objects in
nature that had a
special relationship to a person, family or clan and serving as
symbols for that person or
group. The totem
pole usually stood in front of a
house or shelter.
—SHSBC Binder 11 Approved Glossary, —Class VIII №13, Approved November 1990