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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Fyllot \Fyl"lot\, n. [Prov. fr. AS. fy?erf?te, fierf?te,
fe['o]werf?te. See {Four}, and {Foot}, n.]
A rebated cross, formerly used as a secret emblem, and a
common ornament. It is also called {gammadion}, and
{swastika}. Fyrd


Swastika \Swas"ti*ka\, Swastica \Swas"ti*ca\, n. [Also
{suastica}, {svastika}, etc.] [Skr. svastika, fr. svasti
walfare; su well asti being.]
A symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the
ends of the arms at right angles all in the same direction,
and each prolonged to the height of the parallel arm of the
cross. A great many modified forms exist, ogee and volute as
well as rectilinear, while various decorative designs, as
Greek fret or meander, are derived from or closely associated
with it. The swastika is found in remains from the Bronze Age
in various parts of Europe, esp. at Hissarlik (Troy), and was
in frequent use as late as the 10th century. It is found in
ancient Persia, in India, where both Jains and Buddhists used
(or still use) it as religious symbol, in China and Japan,
and among Indian tribes of North, Central, and South America.
It is usually thought to be a charm, talisman, or religious
token, esp. a sign of good luck or benediction. Max M["u]ller
distinguished from the swastika, with arms prolonged to the
right, the {suavastika}, with arms prolonged to the left, but
this distinction is not commonly recognized. Other names for
the swastika are {fylfot} and {gammadion}.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Note: The swastika with arms bent to the right came to be
used as a symbol of Aryan supremacy by the Nazi party
in Germany, 1933 - 1945; hence, it is now associated in
the United States and European countries with Nazism or
antisemitism. It is sometimes used by neo-nazis, or by
antisemites as an antisemitic symbol.
[PJC]