\Phy*lac"ter*y\, n.; pl. {Phylacteries}. [OE.
filateri, OF. filatire, filatiere, F. phylact[`e]re, L.
phylacterium, Gr. ?, fr. ? a watcher, guard, ? to watch,
guard. Cf. {Philatory}.]
1. Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or
   disease.
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.
3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics
   of the dead were inclosed.