ˈtalə̇smən, -ə̇zm- noun
( plural talismans )
Etymology: French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano, from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to complete, initiate into the mysteries, from telos end — more at wheel
1. : an object cut or engraved with a sign or character under various superstitious observances or influences of the heavens and thought to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
the stone had become a … talisman on which the fertility of their crops depended — Edward Clodd
2. : something that produces extraordinary or apparently magical or miraculous effects
truth is a talisman of which the charm never fails — Arnold Bennett
her pride … as the sort of talisman that would save her from every kind of ill — Hugh Walpole
representative government is … not in itself a talisman — W.C.Brownell