\Shas"ter\, Shastra \Shas"tra\, n. [Skr. c[=a]stra an
order or command, a sacred book, fr. c[=a]s to order,
instruct, govern. Cf. {Sastra}.]
A treatise for authoritative instruction among the Hindoos; a
book of institutes; especially, a treatise explaining the
Vedas. [Written also {sastra}.]