First Known Use: 1638
Dictionary
talisman
noun tal·is·man \ˈta-ləs-mən, -ləz-\
: an object (such as a ring or stone) that is believed to have magic powers and to cause good things to happen to the person who has it
plural tal·is·mans
Full Definition of TALISMAN
1
: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2
: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
— tal·is·man·ic \ˌta-ləs-ˈma-nik, -ləz-\ adjective
— tal·is·man·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of TALISMAN
French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos
Related to TALISMAN
Other Occult Terms
TALISMANICALLY Defined for Kids
talisman
noun tal·is·man \ˈta-lə-smən\
plural tal·is·mans
Definition of TALISMAN for Kids
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm
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