(India) reference to a thug, a worshiper of
Kali who practiced
thuggee, the strangling of human victims in the name of
religion. Robbery of the
victim provided the means of livelihood. They were also called phansigars (noose operators) from the method employed.
Vigorous suppression of the thugs was begun in 1828, but the fraternity did not become completely extinct for another fifty years or so.
See also Kali in this glossary. —Melbourne Congress Approved Glossary (2.4.92)