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phylactery

(fi lak′tər ē)

tefillin
Rare something worn as a charm or safeguard

Origin: 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

See phylactery in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. phy·lac·ter·ies

Judaism Either of two small leather boxes, each containing strips of parchment inscribed with quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures, one of which is strapped to the forehead and the other to the left arm; traditionally worn by Jewish men during morning worship, except on the Sabbath and holidays.
a. An amulet.
b. A reminder.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English filaterie, philacterie

Origin: , from Old French filatiere

Origin: , from Late Latin phylactērium

Origin: , from Greek phulaktērion, guard's post, safeguard, phylactery

Origin: , from phulaktēr, guard

Origin: , from phulax, phulak-

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