The headword, not found in related lexica, is a feminine singular substantive of the adjective phkto/s, of which the essential meaning is "fixed", "set" or "compacted". The usage of phkth/ in relation to cream-cheese conveys the sense of congealed or curdled milk. For this adjective in a different context see pi 1503. For other definitions see LSJ s.v.
[1] Greek Anthology 6.55.1, 3 (omitting line 2 and parts of 3), an epigram by John Barbucallus. The same verses are quoted at sigma 426. Writing in the mid-sixth century, John sought to imitate the bucolic poetry of Theocritus, hence the occurrence of the Doric form pakta/ (cf. Theocritus, Idylls 11.20). For 'the Paphian [goddess]' see generally pi 825.
[2] This gloss, apparently inserted here in error by an editor or copyist, relates not to phkth/ but to the following headword phkti/s, a type of stringed musical instrument. See pi 1502, where the gloss is duplicated.
[3] Aristophanes, Birds 528, where phkth/ means a net or cage for catching birds. The term presumably derives from its compact mesh. See also Aristotle, History of Animals 614a12.