Dictionary entry

Chela (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Che″la (?), n. [Hind. chēla, orig., slave, fr. Skr. cēṭa, cēṭaka, slave, servant.] In India, a dependent person occupying a position between that of a servant or slave and a disciple; hence, a disciple or novice. — Che″la‐ship, n.