The New International Encyclopædia/Talisman

TALISMAN (Sp., Port. talisman, from Ar. tilsam, tulsam, tilism, pl. tilsamān, talisman, from Gk. τέλεσμα, telesma, consecrated object, talisman, religious rite, completion, from τελεῖν, telein, to end, to make perfect, from τέλος, telos, end). In its strict sense, a species of charm, consisting of a figure engraved on metal or stone when two planets are in conjunction, or when a star is at its culminating point, and supposed to exert some protective influence over the wearer of it by keeping away diseases or bringing luck. While the proper distinctive character of the talisman thus resides in its astrological character, in common usage the terms talisman and amulet (q.v.) are synonymous, referring to any object used as a charm against evil spirits or evil influences. Consult Elworthy, The Evil Eye (London, 1895).