sutra Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature or a group of aphoristic doctrinal summaries prepared for memorization

WordNet

Su"tra noun
Etymology
Skr. stra a thread, a string of rules; an aphorism; fr. siv to sew.
Wordforms
plural Sutras
Definitions
  1. (a) A precept; an aphorism; a brief rule. (b) A collection of such aphorisms.
  2. pl. A body of Hindoo literature containing aphorisms on grammar, meter, law, and philosophy, and forming a connecting link between the Vedic and later Sanscrit literature. Balfour (Cyc. of India).

Webster 1913