TALISMAN

(From the Arabic, dual of the noun telesm; Gr. «Xso-^a, in the sense of an astrological wonder, or effect of the stars.) Among the Eastern nations, a figure cut in metal, stone, ., supposed to have been made with particular ceremonies, and under particular astrological circumstances, and to po e various virtues, but chiefly that of averting disease or violent death from the wearer. In a more general sense, any portable object endowed with imaginary influence in controlling evil spirits, . has been so designated. The term is frequently used as synonymous with amulet (which see); but, strictly speaking, the latter is not believed to po e such extensive powers as the talisman. (See a curious article in the Enc. Melropoliiana.) TALLAGE (from the Fr.taille), in the language of the old English law, is said to be a general name for all taxes by Sir E. Coke. See Toll, Taille. [s. 1219]