'Phylactery' definitions:

Definition of 'phylactery'

From: WordNet
noun
(Judaism) either of two small leather cases containing texts from the Hebrew Scriptures (known collectively as tefillin); traditionally worn (on the forehead and the left arm) by Jewish men during morning prayer [syn: phylactery, tefillin]

Definition of 'Phylactery'

From: GCIDE
  • Phylactery \Phy*lac"ter*y\, n.; pl. Phylacteries. [OE. filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylact[`e]re, L. phylacterium, Gr. fylakth`rion, fr. fylakth`r a watcher, guard, fyla`ssein to watch, guard. Cf. Philatory.]
  • 1. Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A small square box, made either of parchment or of black calfskin, containing slips of parchment or vellum on which are written the scriptural passages Exodus xiii. 2-10, and 11-17, Deut. vi. 4-9, 13-22. They are worn by Jews on the head and left arm, on week-day mornings, during the time of prayer. --Schaff-Herzog Encyc. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Phylactery'