from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sanskrit \San"skrit\, n. [Skr. Samsk[.r]ta the Sanskrit
language, literally, the perfect, polished, or classical
language, fr. samsk[.r]ta prepared, wrought, made, excellent,
perfect; sam together (akin to E. same) + k[.r]ta made. See
{Same}, {Create}.] [Written also {Sanscrit}.]
The ancient language of the Hindoos, long since obsolete in
vernacular use, but preserved to the present day as the
literary and sacred dialect of India. It is nearly allied to
the Persian, and to the principal languages of Europe,
classical and modern, and by its more perfect preservation of
the roots and forms of the primitive language from which they
are all descended, is a most important assistance in
determining their history and relations. Cf. {Prakrit}, and
{Veda}.
[1913 Webster]