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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

Etymology

French talisman partly from Arabic طِلَسْم ‎(ṭilasm), from Ancient Greek τέλεσμα ‎(télesma, “payment”); and partly directly from Byzantine Greek τέλεσμα ‎(télesma, “talisman, religious rite, completion”), from τελέω ‎(teléō, “to perform religious rites, to complete”), from τέλος ‎(télos, “end, fulfillment, accomplishment, consummation, completion”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈtæl.ɪsˌmæn/, /ˈtæl.ɪz.mən/

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