(v. t.) Among the ancient Greeks, a weight and a denomination of
money equal to 60 minae or 6,000 drachmae. The Attic talent, as a
weight, was about 57 lbs. avoirdupois; as a denomination of silver
money, its value was £243 15s. sterling, or about $1,180.
(v. t.) 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 £340 to £396 sterling, or about $1,645 to
$1,916. For gold it was equal to 10,000 gold shekels.
(v. t.) Inclination; will; disposition; desire.
(v. t.) 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).
