WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Phy*lac"ter*y
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [OE. filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylact?re, L. phylacterium, Gr. Philatory.]
Definition : 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.

pl. Phylacteries.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913