phylactery
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.phy·lac·tery
noun \fə-ˈlak-t(ə-)rē\ plural phy·lac·ter·ies
Definition of PHYLACTERY
1
: either of two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men and especially adherents of Orthodox Judaism during morning weekday prayers
2
: amulet
See Examples of PHYLACTERY
- <he wore a small phylactery on a cord around his neck>
Illustration of PHYLACTERY
Origin of PHYLACTERY
Middle English philaterie, from Medieval Latin philaterium, alteration of Late Latin phylacterium, from Greek phylaktērion amulet, phylactery, from phylassein to guard, from phylak-, phylax guard
First Known Use: 14th century
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