mahatma

n. [ Skr. mahātman, lit., great-souled, wise. ] (Theosophy) One of a class of sages, or “adepts, ” reputed to have knowledge and powers of a higher order than those of ordinary men. The title was popularly applied to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in tribute to his wisdom, though not implying any supernatural powers; he is thus often referred to as Mahatma Ghandi or The Mahatma. He was most noted for his advocacy of non-violence in resisting oppression, and played an important role in convincing Great Britain to grant independence to India and Pakistan. -- Ma*hat"ma*ism n. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]