Hypertext Webster Gateway: "talisman"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Talisman \Tal"is*man\, n.; pl. {Talismans}. [Sp., from Ar.
tilism, tilsam, a magical image, pl. tilsam[=a]n, fr. Gr. ?
tribute, tax, LGr., an initiation, incantation, from ? to
complete, perform, to play taxes, to make perfect, to
initiate, especially in the mysteries, fr. ? 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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
talisman
n : a trinket or piece of jewelry thought to be a protection
against evil [syn: {amulet}]
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