TALISMAN  , a magical

charm . The word is often used as a term synonymous with amulet (q.v.), but strictly should be applied to an inanimate object which is supposed to possess a supernatural capacity of conferring benefits or powers, an amulet being that which protects or wards off evil (see MAGIC) . The most common form which the talisman took in medieval or later times was that of a disk of metal or stone engraved with astrological figures, or with magical formulae, of which Abraxas (q.v.) and Abracadabra (q.v.) are the most familiar . The word is derived through the Spanish from Arab. tilsamdn, plural of tilsam, an adaptation of Gr. r X rjsa, payment, outlay (from mXeiv, to accomplish), used in Late Gr. of an initiation or mystery and in Med . Gr. of a charm .