thuggee

American  

[thuhg-ee, thuh-gee] / ˈθʌg i, θʌˈgi /

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

1. (in India) robbery and strangulation committed by thugs.

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thuggee British  

/ θʌˈɡiː /

noun

1. history the methods and practices of the thugs of India

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Etymology

Origin of thuggee

First recorded in 1830–40, thuggee is from the Hindi word thagī

Example Sentences

By 1841, the cult of Thuggee had been "practically destroyed."

From Time Magazine Archive

At first he couldn't even obtain official recognition that the cult, known as Thuggee, really existed.

From Time Magazine Archive

The astonished government now took hold of Thuggee, and for ten years made systematic and relentless war upon it, and finally destroyed it.

From Following the Equator, Part 5 by Twain, Mark

Between 1826 and 1835, 1,562 prisoners were tried for the crime of Thuggee, of whom 1,404 were either hanged or transported for life.

From Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official by Sleeman, William

The first part of this article is entirely compiled from the Report on their suppression drawn up by Colonel Sleeman,1 who may be regarded as the virtual founder of the Thuggee and Dacoity Department.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)