in Hindaism, is the cord of the Brahmins, a sacred mark or sign of the highest caste, which no one else is allowed to carry under severe penalties. It is made of nine threads of wool, which are long enough to be wound one hundred and eight times around the hand (because of the one hundred and eight legends of Brahma). These nine threads are divided into three parts, corresponding to the three Vedas, or holy books, and they are then: suspended over the right shoulder, so as to touch the hip under the left arm. This Brahmin-cord places him who carries it above the reach of the civil law.