Found 2 items, similar to phylactery.
English → English (WordNet)
Definition: phylactery
phylactery
n : (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:
tefillin]
English → English (gcide)
Definition: Phylactery
Phylactery
\Phy*lac"ter*y\, n.; pl.
Phylacteries. [OE.
filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylact[`e]re, L.
phylacterium, Gr. ?, fr. ? a watcher, guard, ? 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]