mascot

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“
It would seem that having a character as your mascot is a big advantage in the social media age: wouldn't you rather befriend Jeeves on Facebook than become a fan of the Ask. com logo?

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Definitions (5)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. noun A person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team.
  2. Word History
    A giant strutting bird leading a cheer at the homecoming game may seem a far cry from a witch fashioning a charm or spell, but these two figures are related historically in the development of the word mascot. Mascot came into English as a borrowing of the French word mascotte, meaning "mascot, charm.” The English word is first recorded in 1881 shortly after the French word, itself first recorded in 1867, was popularized by the opera La Mascotte, performed in December 1880. The French word in turn came from the Provençal word mascoto, "piece of witchcraft, charm, amulet,” a feminine diminutive of masco, "witch.” This word can probably be traced back to Medieval Latin masca, "witch, specter.” Thus for all their apparent differences, yesterday's witches and today's cuddly mascots can be seen in the same light, as agents working their respective magic to bring about a desired outcome.

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Examples (50)

  • As a kitten he had been donated to the new bookstore being built in Pickax — as a mascot, a bibliocat. —  THE CAT WHO WENT BANANAS
  • While serving as the mascot, the bear got loose and chased Red into the dugout.
  • I think the mascot should be a talking Daley doll.
  • Call it a mascot, a leader, a dictator or a chief, any team blog often requires someone with a strong personality or character to bring the blog around. —  Anime Nano!
  • If the meanness of the mascot is an indication as to how far the team will go, perhaps that is why the Toronto Maple Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup in 42 years: Carlton the Bear looks more like Beenie Baby than a menacing carnivore. —  Kuklas Korner
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. French mascotte, sorcerer's charm, mascot, from Provençal mascoto, sorcery, fetish, from masco, witch, ultimately from Medieval Latin masca, mask, specter, witch.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Also mascotte; from French mascotte, in gamblers slang a luck-piece, fetish, talisman.
 

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/ˈmæskət/
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