PHYLACTERY

phylactery, tefillin

(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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

phylactery (plural phylacteries)

(Judaism) Either of the two small leather cases, containing biblical scrolls, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer; the tefilla.

(historical) A case in which (Christian) relics were preserved.

Any small object worn for its magical or supernatural power; an amulet or charm.

(fantasy, mythology, role-playing games) An enspelled object used (by such as a lich) to contain and protect the owner's soul.

(art, historical) A speech scroll, an illustrative device depicting speech, song or other sound as if written on a scroll.

Synonyms

• (small leather case): tefilla

• (speech scroll): banderole, speech scroll

Source: Wiktionary

Phy*lac"ter*y, n.; pl. Phylacteries. Etym: [OE. filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylactère, L. phylacterium, Gr. Philatory.]

1. Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.

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.

3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition