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Definitions

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

  1. n. An object marked with magic signs and believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection.
  2. n. Something that apparently has magic power.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

  1. n. A supposed charm consisting of a magical figure cut or engraved under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the heavens; 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. The word is also used in a wider sense and as equivalent to amulet. The talisman is supposed to exercise extraordinary influences over the bearer, especially in averting evils, as disease or sudden death.
  2. n. Figuratively, any means to the attainment of extraordinary results; a charm.
  3. n. Synonyms See amulet, and definition of phylactery.
  4. n. A Mohammedan priest.

Wiktionary

  1. n. A small amulet or other object, often bearing magical symbols, worn for protection against evil spirits or the supernatural.

GNU Webster's 1913

  1. n. 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. n. Hence, something that produces extraordinary effects, esp. in averting or repelling evil; an amulet; a charm.

WordNet 3.0

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

Etymologies

  1. French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano, all from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration ceremony, from telein, to consecrate, fulfill, from telos, result; see kwel-1 in Indo-European roots.

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  • rolig JoeCool, chill. The Century Dictionary was published nearly 100 years ago. At the time, "Mohammedan" was the well-established, fully acceptable, politically correct term for someone who followed the teachings of the prophet Mohammed (just as Buddhists follow the teachings of Buddha, and Christians follow the teachings of Christ).

    This is another example of Wordnik giving too little pertinent information about the definitions it provides. It would be good to tell us the edition and date of the dictionaries that are cited. Obviously, a definition from a 100-year-old dictionary will have a different value from a definition from a dictionary published in 2010.

    Also, as you suggest, usage notes would be helpful. I have no idea why "talisman" is defined as a Muslim cleric, but clearly such usage of the word is obsolete today. Similarly, Century's definition no. 2 is a very narrow, technical usage of the word (in anthropology), while only the 3rd and 4th definitions reflect the way we use the word today in general speech. Jul 12, 2011

  • ruzuzu Thanks! You've given me another one to add to my list of "disturbing definitions" from the Century. Jul 11, 2011

  • JoeCool the 1st definition from Century Dictionary & Cyclopedia "A Mohammedan priest." is highly incorrect both politically and factually. Moreover, there are no usage examples provided to support such a statement.
    1. there is no such thing as a "Mohammedan"
    2. in ISLAM (the PROPER term for the religion referenced) there are no priests, or should Jews be called Mosesans? Likewise, what religion calls itself "Jesusans"?. The correct term would likely be "imam". Jul 11, 2011

‘talisman’ has been looked up 2475 times, loved by 14 people, added to 64 lists, commented on 3 times, and has a Scrabble score of 10.