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n. pl. tal·is·mans 1. An object marked with magic signs and believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection. 2. Something that apparently has magic power. [Ultimately (probably via French talisman) from alteration of Arabic ṭilasmāt, pl. of ṭilasm, talisman, from Late Greek telesma, from Greek telein, to fulfill, consecrate, endow with magic power, from telos, result; see kwel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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