Pronunciation: [fˈa͡ɪlɐktəɹi] (IPA) 
The word "phylactery" is spelled as follows: /fɪˈlæktəri/. It is derived from the Greek word "phulaktērion", which means "safeguard". In Jewish tradition, a "phylactery" refers to a small leather box containing scripture passages worn on the forehead and upper arm during prayer. The word's spelling may be confusing due to the silent "p" at the beginning and the "y" in the middle, but its pronunciation is fairly straightforward.
A phylactery is a noun that refers to a small container or amulet, typically made of cloth or leather, which holds religious texts or objects of significance to individuals of certain faiths, especially in Jewish and Christian traditions. The word "phylactery" comes from the Greek word "phylakterion," meaning "safeguard" or "protection."
In Jewish practices, a phylactery is called a "tefillin." It consists of a set of two small, black leather boxes containing Scripture passages, wrapped around the arm and forehead during morning prayers. They are regarded as a physical reminder of God's presence and commandments, as well as a symbol of devotion and connection to the divine. Additionally, in ancient Egypt and Greece, phylacteries were small scrolls containing magical texts that were believed to offer protection from evil spirits.
In Christian practices, a phylactery may refer to a religious amulet or charm, often worn around the neck, that contains a small written prayer or religious verse. These phylacteries are believed to provide spiritual protection and blessings to the wearer. However, in historical contexts, the term has been associated with negative connotations, as some individuals have used phylacteries for superstitious or fraudulent purposes, claiming they possess magical properties.
Overall, the term "phylactery" denotes a small container or amulet with religious significance, serving as a physical reminder of faith, a source of spiritual protection, and a symbol of devotion to the divine, depending on the religious context.
Among the Jews, a strip of parchment on which were written texts from the law, worn by devout persons on various parts of the dress, particularly by the Pharisees; a case for containing the relics of the dead in the early Christian Church.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "phylactery" comes from the Greek word "phylaktērion", which is derived from the verb "phylassein", meaning "to guard" or "to protect". In Greek, a "phylactērion" refers to an amulet or charm believed to have protective powers. The term was later adopted into Latin as "phylacterium" with a similar meaning. In the Middle Ages, the word entered Old French as "filaire" and eventually made its way into English as "phylactery". In its current usage, "phylactery" specifically refers to a small container or pouch worn by religious Jews during prayer, containing verses or passages from the Torah.
