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TALISMAN, a magical charm. The word is often used as a term synonymous with amulet, but strictly should be applied to an inanimate object which is supposed to possess a supernatural capacity of conferring benefits or powers, an amulet being that which protects or wards off evil (see Magic). The most common form which the talisman took in medieval or later times was that of a disk of metal or stone engraved with astrological figures, or with magical formula, of which Abraxas (q.v.) and Abracadabra (q.v.) are the most familiar. The word is derived through the Spanish from Arab. tilsaman, plural of tilsam, an adaptation of Gr. TEAeQµa, payment, outlay (from TeXeiv, to accomplish), used in Late Gr. of an initiation or mystery and in Med. Gr. of a charm.

(Arabic, but supposed to be derived from the Gr. telesma, in the sense of celebration of religious ceremonies), a species of charm, consisting of a figure engraved on metal or stone when two planets are in conjunction, or when a star is at its culminating point, and supposed to exert some protective influence over the wearer of it. The terms Talisman and Amulet (q.v.) are often considered nearly synonymous, but the proper distinctive peculiarity of the former is its astrological character. Talismanic virtues have often been attributed to a peculiarly marked or formed egg, and instances are recorded, by various authors, of eggs hatched with figures of comets or eclipses on them. A species of talisman, which has acquired considerable celebrity, is the Abraxas Stone (q.v.). A species of talisman, previously in use in Asia, is a piece of paper on which the names of the Seven Sleepers and their dog are inscribed. Pasted on the walls of houses, it is believed to be a protection against ghosts and demons.

noun
1) Something that produces are is capable of producing extraordinary effects; a charm; amulet.

“He has the ring of Gyges, the talisman of invisibility.” - Hamerton

2) An astrological charm or symbol supposed to benefit or protect the possessor, especially by exerting magical or occult influence; in a wider sense, any amulet.

The astrological talisman was usually a magical figure cut or engraved, under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the heavens; or a figure, character, or image of a heavenly sign, constellation, or planet, graven on a sympathetic stone or on a metal corresponding to the star, in order to receive its supposed occult influence.

[<Sp., < Ar. tilsam, < Gr. telesma, < telos, end.}

SYNONYMS: amulet, charm. An amulet or talisman is strictly a material object; a charm may be a movement or a form of words.

“Then, in one moment, she put forth the charm
Of woven paces and of waving hands.” - Tennyson

An amulet is ordinarily worn upon the person as a protection against disease, injury, or death. A talisman is any object supposed to work wonders, like Aladdin’s lamp, whether kept on one’s possession or not.