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phylactery definition

phy·lac·tery (fi lak′tər ē)

noun pl. phylacteries -·ter·ies

  1. tefillin
  2. Rare something worn as a charm or safeguard

Etymology: ME filaterie < ML phylaterium < LL(Ec) phylacteria (used for Heb tefilin, pl. of tefila, prayer < root pll, to pray, entreat < Gr phylaktērion, a safeguard < phylassein, to defend, guard > phylax, a watchman

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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