talisman

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: tal=is=man

CIDE DICTIONARY

talisman, n. [Sp., from Ar. tilism, tilsam, a magical image, pl. tilsamān, 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.].

•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  Hence, something that produces extraordinary effects, esp. in averting or repelling evil; an amulet; a charm; as, a talisman to avert diseases.  Swift.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

talisman, n. (pl. talismans)
1 an object, esp. an inscribed ring or stone, supposed to be endowed with magic powers esp. of averting evil from or bringing good luck to its holder.
2 a charm or amulet; a thing supposed capable of working wonders.

Derivative

talismanic adj.

Etymology

F & Sp., = It. talismano, f. med.Gk telesmon, Gk telesma completion, religious rite f. teleo complete f. telos end

THESAURUS

talisman

amulet, charm, fetish, fylfot, gammadion, good-luck charm, hoodoo, juju, love charm, luck, lucky bean, lucky piece, madstone, mascot, mumbo jumbo, obeah, periapt, philter, phylactery, scarab, scarabaeus, scarabee, sudarium, swastika, veronica, voodoo, whammy, wishbone

ROGET THESAURUS

talisman

Scepter

N scepter, regalia, caduceus, Mercury's rod, Mercury's staff, Mercury's wand, rod of empire, mace, fasces, wand, staff, staff of office, baton, truncheon, flag, ensign of authority, emblem of authority, badge of authority, insignia of authority, throne, chair, musnud, divan, dais, woolsack, toga, pall, mantle, robes of state, ermine, purple, crown, coronet, diadem, tiara, cap of maintenance, decoration, title, portfolio, key, signet, seals, talisman, helm, reins.

Spell

N spell, charm, incantation, exorcism, weird, cabala, exsufflation, cantrap, runes, abracadabra, open sesame, countercharm, Ephesian letters, bell book and candle, Mumbo Jumbo, evil eye, fee-faw- fum, talisman, amulet, periapt, telesm, phylactery, philter, fetich, fetish, agnus Dei, lamb of God, furcula, madstone, mascot, mascotte, merrythought, Om, Aum, scarab, scarabaeus, sudarium, triskelion, veronica, wishbone, swastika, fylfot, gammadion, wand, caduceus, rod, divining rod, lamp of Aladdin, wishing-cap, Fortunatus's cap.