Definition of: swastika

(swos′ti·kə) noun
1. A primitive religious ornament or symbol, originally in the form of a gammadion, but variously modified, the most typical being a Greek cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles, and prolonged to the length of the upright arms, clockwise, or counterclockwise. See b in illustration. It dates back to the Bronze Age in Europe, and still exists as a religious symbol in India, Persia, China, Japan, and among North, Central, and South American Indians: believed to be a token of good luck or blessing.
2. The emblem of the Nazis: as b in illustration. See HAKENKREUZ. Compare FYLFOT. Also swas′ti·ca. [<Skt. svastika <svastí well–being, fortune <sú good + astí being <as be]
SWASTIKA
a. Navaho Indian.
b. Indian.
c. Caucasian.
d. Siberian.
e. Pima Indian.