periapt

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Pronunciation

• (British) IPA: /ˈpɛɹɪapt/

Noun

periapt (plural periapts)

1. A charm worn on a necklace; an amulet. [from 16th c.]
   • 1825, Walter Scott, The Talisman, A.L. Burt Company (1832), 9-10:

     Of all people who ever lived, the Persians were perhaps most remarkable for their unshaken credulity in amulets, spells, periapts, and similar charms, framed, it was said, under the influence of particular planets, and bestowing high medical powers, as well as the means of advancing men's fortunes in various manners.

   • 1864, Thomas Oswald Cockayne, Leechdoms, Wortcunning, and Starcraft of Early England, volume 1, preface, page xx

     The occipital bone of an asses head in a skin is also a good periapt.

   • 1867, Charles William King, The Natural History of Precious Stones and of the Precious Metals, Bell & Daldy (London), Deighton, Bell, & Co. (Cambridge), page 326

     [Aaron’s Breastplate] was a decoration, from the costliness of its nature; a periapt, for it was suspended round his neck by golden chains; a talisman, for it ensured the divine protection to the tribes whose names were thereon engraven.

   • 2003, Hannah Howell, His Immortal Embrace, Kensington Books, ISBN 0758204752, page 232

     That is the secret of this vault, Miss Thornberry. It is his living tomb, and the periapt you wear around your neck is his epitaph.

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