Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
TALISMAN
amulet, talisman
(noun) a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
talisman (plural talismans)
A magical object providing protection against ill will, or the supernatural, or conferring the wearer with a boon such as good luck, good health, or power(s).
Anagrams
• natalism, staminal
Source: Wiktionary
Tal"is*man, n.; pl. Talismans. Etym: [Sp., from Ar. tilism, tilsam, a magical image, pl. tilsaman, fr. Gr.
1. A magical figure cut or engraved under certain superstitious observances of the configuration of the heavens, to which wonderful effects are ascribed; the seal, figure, character, or image, of a heavenly sign, constellation, or planet, engraved on a sympathetic stone, or on a metal corresponding to the star, in order to receive its influence.
2. Hence, something that produces extraordinary effects, esp. in averting or repelling evil; an amulet; a charm; as, a talisman to avert diseases. Swift.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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Word of the Day
1 June 2025
BACKFIRE
(verb) come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect; “Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble”; “the political movie backlashed on the Democrats”
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