Tallitot

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A bag or container specifically designed to hold and protect prayer shawls used in Jewish worship ; an item used in religious contexts to keep sacred garments clean and secure ; a storage accessory for carrying and preserving traditional prayer shawls during travel or when not in use
2. A carrying case for ritual shawls worn during Jewish prayers ; a protective holder to transport and store sacred liturgical cloths ; an object used to safeguard religious garments typically worn in synagogue
3. A specialized pouch for housing the rectangular prayer garments of Jewish custom ; a religious accessory that ensures the cleanliness and safekeeping of prayer shawls ; a container used by individuals to carry and protect their spiritual vestments during rituals

Etymology: "Tallitot" is the plural of "tallit", the Hebrew term for the fringed prayer shawl worn by Jewish men during morning services. The plural form is used in English when referring to more than one of these garments, and it follows the Hebrew plural pattern rather than an English one. The base word comes from Hebrew "talít", meaning a cloak or covering, which is the sense the garment still carries: a wrap draped over the shoulders during prayer. The Hebrew plural ending "-ot" is what gives "tallitot" its form, and English retains it in borrowed words of this kind.