The Definition of the word Phylacteries

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 [486]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.