phylactery Definition
- 1a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law
- 2a charm or amulet worn as a protection against harm or danger
Using phylactery: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "phylactery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The phylactery is worn on the left arm and forehead during weekday morning prayers.
Example
He wore a phylactery around his neck as a good luck charm.
Phrases with phylactery
the Hebrew word for phylacteries
Example
He put on his tefillin before starting his morning prayers.
a piece of parchment inscribed with religious texts and attached in a case to the doorpost of a Jewish house as a sign of faith
Example
The mezuzah on the doorpost reminded them of their faith every time they entered or left the house.
an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease
Example
She wore an amulet around her neck to ward off bad luck.
Origins of phylactery
from Late Latin 'phylacterium', from Greek 'phulaktērion', meaning 'safeguard'
Summary: phylactery in Brief
A 'phylactery' [fuh-lak-tuh-ree] is a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law. It can also refer to a charm or amulet worn as a protection against harm or danger. Other related terms include 'tefillin,' the Hebrew word for phylacteries, and 'mezuzah,' a piece of parchment inscribed with religious texts and attached in a case to the doorpost of a Jewish house as a sign of faith.
