Definition of phylactery

• n. - Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.
• n. - 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.
• n. - Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed.