talisman Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
    amulet.

WordNet

Tal"is*man noun
Etymology
Sp., from Ar. tilism, tilsam, a magical image, pl. tilsaman, 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.
Wordforms
plural Talismans
Definitions
  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 1913