from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]