[ noun ] a rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature or a group of aphoristic doctrinal summaries prepared for memorization <noun.communication>
Sutra \Su"tra\, n.; pl. {Sutras}. [Skr. s?tra a thread, a string of rules; an aphorism; fr. siv to sew.] 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).