[Skr. tantra loom, warp, hence groundwork, principle, system, doctrine, f. tan to stretch, extend.] One of a class of Hindu religious works in Sanskrit, of comparatively recent date, chiefly of magical and mystical nature; also, of a class of Buddhist works of similar character.
1799. Asiatic Researches, V. 53. The Tantras form a branch of literature highly esteemed, though at present much neglected. Ibid., 62. I am informed, that the Tantras collectively are noticed in very ancient compositions.
1901. Mission. Rec. U. F. Ch. Scotl., Sept., 411/2. The Tantras, the sacred books of the Shakti worshippers.
Hence Tantric a., of or pertaining to the Tantras; Tantrism, the doctrine or principles of the Tantras; Tantrist, an adherent of tantrism.
1882. Ogilvie (Annandale), Tantrism.
1891. trans. De La Saussaye’s Hist. Sc. Relig., lxxv. 622. Tantrism … is common to Buddhist and Hindu communities.
1891. Cent. Dict., Tantrist.
1905. Q. Rev., July, 201. The Buddhist worship of these deities is undoubtedly due to Tantric influence.
