Talisman

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtæl.ɪsËŒmæn/, /ˈtæl.ɪz.mÉ™n/

Origin

French talisman partly from Arabic طلسم, from Ancient Greek τέλεσμα (telesma, "payment"); and partly directly from Byzantine Greek τέλεσμα ("talisman, religious rite, completion"), from τελέω (teleō, "to perform religious rites, to complete"), from τέλος (telos, "end, fulfillment, accomplishment, consummation, completion").

Full definition of talisman

Noun

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. 233She 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, w, Crime out of Mind Chapter 17, 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. 1I 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

• talismen non-standard plural