tantra

Where does the word "tantra" come from? It comes from Sanskrit tantra, and was adopted directly into English (19th-20th c.).

Tantra’s story begins in Sanskrit: tantra meant “a woven framework; a system or doctrine.” Literally 'warp, loom', from a root meaning 'to stretch, weave'. It reached English by 19th-20th c. as tantra. Adopted in English for the esoteric ritual and philosophical texts and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, tantra means a body of esoteric ritual, meditative, and philosophical practices within Hinduism and Buddhism.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient tantra "a woven framework; a system or doctrine", literally 'warp, loom', from a root meaning 'to stretch, weave'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 19th-20th c. tantra "a body of esoteric ritual and philosophical practice", adopted in English for the esoteric ritual and philosophical texts and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism.