Phylactery
/fɪˈlæk.tə.ri/noun
A small container or band worn as a religious reminder or charm, especially a Jewish tefillin box or, historically, an amulet.
Did you know?In Greek, the ancestor of this word could mean both a protective charm and the act of guarding, which is why it later became the name for sacred wearable boxes in Jewish tradition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“to watch, guard, or protect”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φυλακτήριον (phylaktḗrion)
“a safeguard, amulet, or protective charm”
Late Latin
Latin
phylacterium
“amulet; protective object”
Old French
Old French
phylacterie
“amulet, charm”
Middle English
English
phylacterie
“an amulet or religious token”
Modern English
English
phylactery
“a small container or band worn as a religious reminder or charm”