1. plural of chela; a disciple or student, especially in Hindu or Buddhist traditions
Usage: from Sanskrit; often used in religious or spiritual contexts
2. plural of chela; the pincerlike claw of a crustacean or arachnid
Usage: zoology; technical term

Examples

• The guru taught his chelas the principles of meditation and philosophy.
• Many chelas gathered at the ashram to study under the master.
• The crab's chelas were strong enough to crack open shells.
• Scorpions use their chelas to capture and hold prey.
• The spiritual teacher accepted new chelas into the order each year.