Greek cross with arms bent at right angles, 1871 (later specifically as emblem of the Nazi party, 1932), from Skt.
svastika-s, lit. "being fortunate," from
svasti-s "well-being, luck," from
su- "well" +
as-, root of
asti "(he) is," from root of L.
esse "to be" (see
essence). Also known as
gammadion and
fylfot. Originally an ancient cosmic or religious symbol thought to bring good luck. Use in reference to the Nazi emblem first recorded in Eng. in 1932. The Ger. word was
Hakenkreuz, lit. "hook-cross."
[swos-ti-kuh or, especially Brit., swas-] 
tɪ