n.; pl. Phylacteries [ OE. filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylactère, L. phylacterium, Gr. fylakth`rion, fr. fylakth`r a watcher, guard, fyla`ssein to watch, guard. Cf. Philatory. ] 1. Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed. [ 1913 Webster ]