mezuza

mezuza
    n 1: religious texts from Deuteronomy inscribed on parchment and
         rolled up in a case that is attached to the doorframe of
         many Jewish households in accordance with Jewish law [syn:
         {mezuzah}, {mezuza}]
    

Mezuza \Me*zu"za\, Mezuzah \Me*zu"zah\, Mezuzoth \Mez"u*zoth\,
   n. [Heb. m[e^]z[=u]z[=o]th, pl. of m[e^]z[=u]z[=a]h
   doorpost.]
   A piece of parchment bearing the Decalogue and attached to
   the doorpost; -- in use among orthodox Hebrews. The term is
   also used to refer to the small case containing this scroll,
   together with the biblical inscription inside. The text is
   usually taken from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]