phylactery

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

Examples of PHYLACTERY

1. <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

Related to PHYLACTERY

Synonyms: amulet, fetish (also fetich), mascot, mojo, periapt, charm, talisman

Antonyms: hoodoo, jinx

Related Words: gris-gris (also grigri), juju, philter, toadstone; emblem, symbol, token, totem

Near Antonyms: curse, hex, spell

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Rhymes with PHYLACTERY

refractory