Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PHY-LAC'TER, or PHY-LAC'TER-Y, n. [Gr. φυλακτηριον, from φυλασσω, to defend or guard.]

1. In a general sense, any charm, spell or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.
2. Among the Jews, a slip of parchment on which was written some text of Scripture, particularly of the decalogue, worn by devout persons on the forehead, breast or neck as a mark of their religion. – Encyc.
3. Among the primitive Christians, a case in which they inclosed the relics of the dead. – Encyc.