n. (pl. -ies) 1 a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law. 2 an amulet; a charm. 3 a usu. ostentatious religious observance. 4 a fringe; a border.
[ ME f. OF f. LL phylacterium f. Gk phulakterion amulet f. phulasso guard ]