: a Hindu religious teacher : one versed in the sacred writings of the Hindus
2
: any illustrious or learned person in India
Word History
Etymology
Sanskrit ācārya, literally, one who knows the rules, from ācāra custom, rule of conduct, from ācarati he approaches, proceeds, acts, from ā towards + carati he moves, goes; akin to Greek o- (in okellein to run aground), Avestan & Old Persian ā toward, Old English ō- back, behind, Old High German ā-, Old Slavic ja- (in jaskudĭ ugly)