Phy-lac'ter-y, n.
n. [Lat. phylacterium, Gr. φυλακτήριον, from φυλακτήρ a watcher, guard, φυλάσσειν, to watch, guard; Fr. phylactère, Sp. filacteria, It. filateria.]
Sense 1. Any charm, spell, or amulet, worn as a preservative from danger or disease.
Sense 2. (Jewish Antiq.) A slip of parchment on which were written certain passages of the Pentateuch; as Exodus xiii. 1-10, and 11-16; Deut. vi. 4-9, and xi. 13-21; the decalogue, worn by devout persons on the forehead and left arm while at prayer.
Sense 3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which were inclosed the relics of the dead.
