talisman, n.2

Pronunciation:  /ˈtælɪzmən/ Etymology:  = 17th cent. French talisman , Spanish talisman , Portuguese talismã , Italian talismano , ultimately representing Arabic ṭilsam , in same sense, < Greek τέλεσμα telesm n. The final -an is not accounted for.

An Arabic plural ṭilsamān , alleged by Diez s.v., and thence in various recent dictionaries, is an error: no such form exists in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish. The only Arabic form at all similar would be a relative adj. *ṭilsimānī (one) dealing with talismans, if this were in use. The identity of talisman with τέλεσμα was first pointed out by Salmasius, Hist. Augusta 1620.

 

 1. A stone, ring, or other object engraven with figures or characters, to which are attributed the occult powers of the planetary influences and celestial configurations under which it was made; usually worn as an amulet to avert evil from or bring fortune to the wearer; also medicinally used to impart healing virtue; hence, any object held to be endowed with magic virtue; a charm.In quot. 1638 applied to the telesms or consecrated statues set up in Egypt, and later in Greece, to protect the city or community: see telesm n. Among Muslim nations, the potent principle is held to be contained in verses from the Qur'an engraved on the charm.

1638    F. Du Jon Painting of Ancients 137   The inaugurated statues, which now adays by them that are curious of such things are called Talisman.1652    J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 39   To serve as a Talisman; as their Astrologers think, to aucupate the favour of Venus and the Moon, against the influences of Scorpio and Mars.1656    T. Blount Glossographia,   Talismans, images, or figures made under certain constellations.1663    S. Butler Hudibras i. i. 40   For mystick Learning, wondrous able In Magick, Talisman, and Cabal.1682    G. Wheler Journey into Greece iii. 270   This Inscription is a kind of Talisman, or Charm.1798    Anti-Jacobin 23 Apr. 188/1   Each scribbled Talisman, and smoky spell.1825    Scott Talisman v, in Tales Crusaders IV. 75   Know, then, that the medicine‥is a talisman, composed under certain aspects of the heavens.1875    W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xiv. 45   He had stolen from Henry‥a Talisman, which rendered its wearer invulnerable. 

 2. fig. Anything that acts as a charm, or by which extraordinary results are achieved.

1785    W. Cowper Task vi. 98   Books are not seldom talismans and spells By which the magic art of shrewder wits Holds an unthinking multitude enthralled.1834    T. Pringle Afr. Sketches xiv. 479   Let us subdue savage Africa by Justice, by Kindness, by the talisman of Christian Truth.

1908    H. A. L. Fisher Bonapartism vi. 123   Bonapartism can never again stand as the‥talisman of victory. 

†3. Applied to a person: see quot.Obs.

1646    J. Gregory Notes & Observ. viii. 38   One Debborius a Talisman (τελεστὴς) to prevent the falling of the City in case an earthquake should happen againe, set up this pillar and upon that a marble Pectorall inscribed ΑΣΕΙΣΤΑ ΑΠΤΩΤΑ.1646    J. Gregory Notes & Observ. viii. 41   Moses the Talisman (so they would account him) set up upon a pole in the wildernesse. 

†4. (? Cf. tailasān in note to prec.) Obs.

1678    S. Butler Hudibras iii. ii. 183   On whom in Equipage, and State, His scare-crow fellow-Members wait,‥Each in a tatter'd Talismane, Like Vermine in Effigie slain.