DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Phy·lac·ter·y n.; pl. Phylacteries
 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.
 3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which the relics of the dead were inclosed.
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 Phylacteries
    (Gr. phulakteria; i.e., "defences" or "protections"), called by
    modern Jews tephillin (i.e., "prayers") are mentioned only in
    Matt. 23:5. They consisted of strips of parchment on which were
    inscribed these four texts: (1.) Ex. 13:1-10; (2.) 11-16; (3.)
    Deut. 6:4-9; (4.) 11:18-21, and which were enclosed in a square
    leather case, on one side of which was inscribed the Hebrew
    letter shin, to which the rabbis attached some significance.
    This case was fastened by certain straps to the forehead just
    between the eyes. The "making broad the phylacteries" refers to
    the enlarging of the case so as to make it conspicuous. (See FRONTLETS.)
      Another form of the phylactery consisted of two rolls of
    parchment, on which the same texts were written, enclosed in a
    case of black calfskin. This was worn on the left arm near the
    elbow, to which it was bound by a thong. It was called the
    "Tephillah on the arm."

 Phylacteries, things to be especially observed