/keuh rah"tee/ , n.
1. a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet. Cf. judo, jujitsu .
2. a sport based on this method of self-defense.
[ 1950-55; kara empty + te (earlier * tai ) hand(s) ]