talisman
The definition of a talisman is an object believed to bring good luck.
(noun)A rabbit's foot is an example of a talisman.
See talisman in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun pl. talismans
- something, as a ring or stone, bearing engraved figures or symbols thought to bring good luck, keep away evil, etc.; amulet
- anything thought to have magic power; a charm
Origin: Fr < Ar ṭilasm, magic figure, horoscope < MGr telesma, consecrated object (hence, one with power to avert evil) < LGr, religious rite < Gr telein, to initiate, orig., to complete < telos, an end: see telo-
Related Forms:
- talismanic adjective or talismanical
See talisman in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. tal·is·mans
- An object marked with magic signs and believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection.
- Something that apparently has magic power.
Origin:
Origin: French talisman
Origin: or Spanish talismán
Origin: or Italian talismano
Origin: , all from Arabic ṭilasm
Origin: , from Late Greek telesma
Origin: , from Greek, consecration ceremony
Origin: , from telein, to consecrate, fulfill
Origin: , from telos, result; see kwel-1 in Indo-European roots
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