n. A charm or amulet.n. Specificallyn. In Jewish antiquity, an amulet consisting of a strip or strips of parchment inscribed with certain texts from the Old Testament, and inclosed within a small leather case, which was fastened with straps on the forehead just above and between the eyes, or on the left arm near the region of the heart. The four passages inscribed upon the phylactery were Ex. xiii. 2-10, 11-17, and Deut. vi. 4-9, 13-22. The custom was founded on a literal interpretation of Ex. xiii. 16, and Deut. vi. 8 and xi. 18.n. Among the primitive Christians, etc., a case in which were inclosed relics of the saints.n. Synonyms See defs. of amulet, talisman, and mezuzah.n. See also tephillin.