ETYM Skr. vaeda, properly, knowledge, from vid to know. Related to Wit.
The ancient sacred literature of the Hindoos; also, one of the four collections, called Rig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, constituting the most ancient portions of that literature.
Any of the Hindu sacred writing; Also called: Samhita.
The most sacred of the Hindu scriptures, hymns written in an old form of Sanskrit; the oldest may date from 1500 or 2000 BC. The four main collections are: the Rig-veda (hymns and praises); Yajur-Veda (prayers and sacrificial formulae); Sâma-Veda (tunes and chants); and Atharva-Veda, or Veda of the Atharvans, the officiating priests at the sacrifices.