(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. Vigoroussuppression 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.—MelbourneCongress Approved Glossary (2.4.92)