Mascot (noun)

1. An animal, person, or object that is thought to bring good luck, and is used to represent a group such as a sports team.
2. An animal, person, or object that is chosen as the symbol of a particular organization or event.

Origin:

The word "mascot" originated in the late 19th century from the french word "mascotte" which means "good luck charm" or "pet".

Examples:

1. The school's mascot is a lion.
2. The team's mascot was a bear.
3. The company's mascot is a cartoon character.
4. The mascot was a popular addition to the parade.
5. The mascot was a symbol of the school's spirit.