Talisman

(tal'iz-man.) A word of Arabic origin, signifying a figure cast or cut in metal or stone; and made, with certain superstitious ceremonies, during some particular configuration of the heavens; as when planets are in conjunction; and supposed to have extraordinary influence in averting disease. But in a more extensive sense, the word T. is used to denote any object in nature or art, the presence of which checks the power of spirits or demons, and defends the wearer from their malice. The T. seems to differ from the armlet, in the more extensive power attributed to it. [s. 876]