talisman

noun tah-lees-MAHN Rare

Origin: Arabic tilasm, from Byzantine Greek telesma (religious rite, consecrated object)

Also means

lucky charm

Usage Note

Talisman is used in French for an object believed to bring good luck or ward off evil, often interchangeable with amulette (amulet), though talisman implies active magical power while amulette more often implies passive protection. The word entered French via Arabic and is the source of the English word 'talisman' as well. It appears in fairy tales and fantasy literature as a plot device.

Examples

"Il porte un talisman autour du cou."

Natural Translation

He wears a talisman around his neck.

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