The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Symbolic \Sym*bol"ic\, n. [Cf. F. symbolique. See Symbolic,
   a.] (Theol.)
   See Symbolics.
   [1913 Webster] Symbolic

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Symbolic \Sym*bol"ic\, Symbolical \Sym*bol"ic*al\, a. [L.
   symbolicus, Gr. symboliko`s: cf. F. symbolique.]
   Of or pertaining to a symbol or symbols; of the nature of a
   symbol; exhibiting or expressing by resemblance or signs;
   representative; as, the figure of an eye is symbolic of sight
   and knowledge. -- Sym*bol"ic*al*ly, adv. --
   Sym*bol"ic*al*ness, n.
   [1913 Webster]

         The sacrament is a representation of Christ's death by
         such symbolical actions as he himself appointed. --Jer.
                                                  Taylor.
   [1913 Webster]

   Symbolical delivery (Law), the delivery of property sold by
      delivering something else as a symbol, token, or
      representative of it. --Bouvier. Chitty.

   Symbolical philosophy, the philosophy expressed by
      hieroglyphics.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Symbolics \Sym*bol"ics\, n.
   The study of ancient symbols; esp. (Theol.), that branch of
   historic theology which treats of creeds and confessions of
   faith; symbolism; -- called also symbolic.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

symbolic
    adj 1: relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols;
           "symbolic logic"; "symbolic operations"; "symbolic
           thinking" [syn: symbolic, symbolical]
    2: serving as a visible symbol for something abstract; "a crown
       is emblematic of royalty"; "the spinning wheel was as
       symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish" [syn:
       emblematic, emblematical, symbolic, symbolical]
    3: using symbolism; "symbolic art"

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

SYMBOLIC, adj.  Pertaining to symbols and the use and interpretation
of symbols.

    They say 'tis conscience feels compunction;
    I hold that that's the stomach's function,
    For of the sinner I have noted
    That when he's sinned he's somewhat bloated,
    Or ill some other ghastly fashion
    Within that bowel of compassion.
    True, I believe the only sinner
    Is he that eats a shabby dinner.
    You know how Adam with good reason,
    For eating apples out of season,
    Was "cursed."  But that is all symbolic:
    The truth is, Adam had the colic.
                                                                  G.J.