Among the ancient
Greeks, a weight and a denomination of money equal to 60 minæ or
6,000 drachmæ. The Attic talent, as a weight, was about 57 lbs.
avoirdupois; as a denomination of silver money, its value was 𧶫
15s. sterling, or about $1,180.
Among the Hebrews, a weight and denomination of
money. For silver it was equivalent to 3,000 shekels, and in weight was
equal to about 93(?) lbs. avoirdupois; as a denomination of silver, it has
been variously estimated at from 𧸌 to 𧹄 sterling, or
about $1,645 to $1,916. For gold it was equal to 10,000 gold
shekels.
Inclination; will; disposition; desire.
Intellectual ability, natural or acquired;
mental endowment or capacity; skill in accomplishing; a special gift,
particularly in business, art, or the like; faculty; a use of the word
probably originating in the Scripture parable of the talents (Matt. xxv.
14-30).
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
