noun, plural tal·is·mans.
- a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.
- any amulet or charm.
- anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.
noun plural -mans
- a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences
- anything thought to have magical or protective powers
n.1630s, from French talisman, in part via Arabic tilsam (plural tilsaman), a Greek loan-word; in part directly from Byzantine Greek telesma “talisman, religious rite, payment,” earlier “consecration, ceremony,” originally “completion,” from telein “perform (religious rites), pay (tax), fulfill,” from telos “completion, end, tax” (see tele-).