You use token to describe things or actions which are small or unimportant but are meant to show particular intentions or feelings which may not be sincere.

A token is a piece of paper or card that can be exchanged for goods, either in a particular shop or as part of a special offer.

A token is a round flat piece of metal or plastic that is sometimes used instead of money.

If you give something to a person or do something for them as a token of your feelings, you give it or do it as a way of expressing those feelings.

You use by the same token to introduce a statement that you think is true for the same reasons that were given for a previous statement.