n. A kind of protective charm or ornament, often bearing magical symbols, worn for protection against ill will, negative influences, evil spirits &/or the supernatural.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. An ornament, gem, or scroll, or a package containing a relic, etc., worn as a charm or preservative against evils or mischief, such as diseases and witchcraft, and generally inscribed with mystic forms or characters. [Also used figuratively.]
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Some object superstitiously worn as a remedy for or preservative against disease, bad luck, accidents, witchcraft, etc.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
Word Usage
"Satisfactorily to explain the derivation of the English word "amulet" has taxed the ingenuity of etymologists, and its origin is admittedly obscure."