phylactery
UK[fɪˈlæktəri]US[fɪˈlæktəri]
n
A small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men during morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law.
n
An amulet or charm worn as a protection against danger or evil.
Morpheme Breakdown
phylact
ery
phylact
guard
ery
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'phylactery' originates from the Greek phylaktērion, meaning 'safeguard' or 'amulet', derived from the verb phylassein ('to guard, protect'). It entered Late Latin as phylacterium before being adopted into Middle English. The term was applied by Greek-speaking Jews to the tefillin, the ritual objects worn during prayer, interpreting them literally as 'protectors' or 'means of protection' for the commandments. Over time, the meaning broadened in English to denote any protective amulet or charm, reflecting the core ancient concept of a physical object serving as a guardian.
Analysis
Structure: phylact (guard) + ery (noun suffix)
- phylact: From Greek phylaktēr, meaning 'guard' or 'protector', from the verb phylassein, 'to guard'.
- ery: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-arius, -eria), often indicating a place for, a collection of, or something connected with.
Examples
The rabbi carefully placed the phylactery on his arm and forehead for the morning prayers.
In the ancient tale, the hero carried a phylactery said to ward off evil spirits.
The museum's collection included a beautifully crafted 18th-century phylactery.