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.