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Webster 1913 Edition


Talisman

Tal′is-man

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Talismans
(#)
.
[Sp., from Ar.
tilism
,
tilsam
, a magical image, pl.
tilsamān
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] tribute, tax, LGr., an initiation, incantation, from [GREEK] to complete, perform, to play taxes, to make perfect, to initiate, especially in the mysteries, fr. [GREEK] completion, end.]
1.
A magical figure cut or engraved under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the heavens, to which wonderful effects are ascribed; the seal, figure, character, or image, of a heavenly sign, constellation, or planet, engraved on a sympathetic stone, or on a metal corresponding to the star, in order to receive its influence.
2.
Hence, something that produces extraordinary effects, esp. in averting or repelling evil; an amulet; a charm;
as, a
talisman
to avert diseases
.
Swift.

Webster 1828 Edition


Talisman

TAL'ISMAN

,
Noun.
1.
A magical figure cut or engraved under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the heavens, to which wonderful effects are ascribed; or it is the seal, figure, character or image of a heavenly sign, constellation or planet, engraven on a sympathetic stone, or on a metal corresponding to the star, in order to receive its influence. The talismans of the Samothracians were pieces of iron, formed into images and set in rings, &c. They were held to be preservatives against all kinds of evils.
Talismans are of three kinds, astronomical, magical and mixed. Hence,
2.
Something that produces extraordinary effects; as a talisman to destroy diseases.

Definition 2024


Talisman

Talisman

See also: talisman and talismán

German

Noun

Talisman m (genitive Talismans, plural Talismane)

  1. talisman

Declension

Synonyms

talisman

talisman

See also: Talisman and talismán

English

Noun

talisman (plural talismans)

  1. A magical object worn for protection against ill will, or the supernatural, or to confer the wearer with a boon such as good luck, good health, or power(s).
    • 1997 — John Peel, War of the Daleks, ch. 10 p. 233
      She kept low, clutching the rifle she'd taken as though it were a magic talisman, as if it would somehow protect her even though she didn't fire it.
    • 1956, Delano Ames, chapter 17, in Crime out of Mind:
      Dagobert gave him back his passport. He re-pocketed it indifferently; a talisman which had lost its potency.
    • 1916 — Frank Baum, Rinkitink in Oz, ch. 1
      I have in my possession three Magic Talismans, which I have ever guarded with utmost care, keeping the knowledge of their existence from anyone else.

Derived terms

See also

Translations

See also


Danish

Etymology

From Arabic طِلَسْم (ṭilasm), from Greek τέλεσμα (télesma).

Noun

talisman c (singular definite talismanen, plural indefinite talismaner)

  1. talisman

Inflection

See also

References


French

Noun

talisman m (plural talismans)

  1. talisman

Serbo-Croatian

Etymology

From French talisman or Spanish talismán.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /talǐsmaːn/
  • Hyphenation: ta‧lis‧man

Noun

talìsmān m (Cyrillic spelling талѝсма̄н)

  1. talisman

Declension

References

  • talisman” in Hrvatski jezični portal