1. A small leather box containing Hebrew scriptural passages, worn by Jewish men during prayer as a religious observance.
Usage: Also called tefillin in Hebrew.; Typically worn on the forehead and left arm.
2. An amulet or charm worn as protection against evil or disease.
Usage: Historical or archaic usage.

Examples

• The rabbi instructed the young man on how to properly don his phylactery before morning prayers.
• During the service, he wrapped the phylactery around his arm in the traditional manner.
• In medieval times, people wore phylacteries as protective charms against illness.
• The phylactery contains passages from the Torah written on parchment.
• He kept his phylactery in a special velvet pouch when not in use.