Phy*lac"ter*y (?), n.; pl. Phylacteries (#). [OE. filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylactère, 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.

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.