Definition of: Veda

(vā′də, vē′-) noun
The body of ancient Indian sacred writings, dating from the second millennium B.C., which form the Hindu scriptures; specifically, the four major collections included in this literature: Rigveda, containing sacrificial hymns addressed to the gods; Yajurveda, containing liturgical formulas; Samaveda, a group of hymns chiefly in honor of Indra; and Ahar² vaveda, a large collection of charms and incantations. [<Skt., knowledge]
—Ve·da·ic (vi·dā′ik) adjective
—Ve·da·ism (vā′də·iz′əm, vē′-) noun