I.a sign, a mark, token, Hdt., attic
2.a sign from the gods, an omen, Soph., Plat.: esp. of the constellations, Eur.
3.a sign or signal to do a thing made by flags, Hdt.; αἴρειν, κατασπᾶν τὸ ς. to make or take down the signal for battle, Thuc.; τὰ σημεῖα ἤρθη the signals agreed upon were made, id=Thuc.
4.an ensign or flag, on the admiral's ship, Hdt.; on the general's tent, Xen.:—then, generally, a standard, ensign, Eur.: hence, a boundary, limit, Dem.
5.a device upon a shield, Hdt., Eur.; upon ships, a figure-head, Ar.
6.a signal, watchword, Thuc.