phylactery

Either of two small leather boxes, each containing strips of parchment inscribed with quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally worn strapped to the forehead and the left arm by Jewish men during morning worship, except on the Sabbath and holidays.

See also tephillin.

A charm or amulet.

Specifically

In Jewish antiquity, an amulet consisting of a strip or strips of parchment inscribed with certain texts from the Old Testament, and inclosed within a small leather case, which was fastened with straps on the forehead just above and between the eyes, or on the left arm near the region of the heart. The four passages inscribed upon the phylactery were Ex. xiii. 2-10, 11-17, and Deut. vi. 4-9, 13-22. The custom was founded on a literal interpretation of Ex. xiii. 16, and Deut. vi. 8 and xi. 18.

Among the primitive Christians, etc., a case in which were inclosed relics of the saints.

Synonyms See defs. of amulet, talisman, and mezuzah.

Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.

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.

Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed.