phylactery
phylactery
Definition
phy·lac·tery (fi lak′tər ē)
noun pl. phylacteries -·ter·ies
- tefillin
- 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
