Chela \Che"la\, n. [Hind. ch[=e]la, orig., slave, fr. Skr. c[=e][.t]a, c[=e][.t]aka, slave, servant.] In India, a dependent person occupying a position between that of a servant or slave and a disciple; hence, a disciple or novice. -- {Che"la*ship}, n.