Definition of "phylactery" in English

noun

1. Either of two small leather cases containing scrolls with passages from the Torah, traditionally worn by a Jewish man (one on the arm (usually the left) and one on the forehead) and now sometimes by a woman at certain morning prayers as a reminder to obey the law as set out in the Bible; a tefilla.

2. A fringe which an Israelite was required to wear as a reminder to obey the law as set out in the Bible; (by extension) any fringe or border.

3. (archaic) Synonym of amulet (“a protective charm or ornament”).

4. (art, historical) A scroll with words on it depicted as emerging from a person's mouth or held in their hands, indicating what they are singing or speaking; a banderole, a speech scroll.

5. (Christianity, historical, obsolete) Synonym of reliquary (“a container to display or hold religious relics”).