TALISMAN

Arabic ( طلسم‎ ) t̤ilsam ; pl. t̤alāsim . The English word is a corruption of the Arabic. A term applied to mystical characters, and also to seals and stones upon which such characters are engraved or inscribed. The characters are astrological, or of some other magical kind. Talismans are used as charms against evil, for the preserving from enchantment or from accident; they are also sometimes buried with a hidden treasure to protect it. [ AMULET , EXORCISM .]