palanquin

American  

[pal-uhn-keen] / ˌpæl ənˈkin /

Or palankeen

noun

1. (formerly in India and other Eastern countries) a passenger conveyance, usually for one person, consisting of a covered or boxlike litter carried by means of poles resting on the shoulders of several men.

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palanquin British  

/ ˌpælənˈkiːn /

noun

1. a covered litter, formerly used in the Orient, carried on the shoulders of four men

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Other Word Forms

• palankeener
  noun
• palankeeningly
  adverb
• palanquiner
  noun
• palanquiningly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of palanquin

1580–90; < Middle French < Dutch pallankin < Portuguese palanquim ≪ Pali pallaṅka, Sanskrit palyaṅka; compare Oriya pālaṅki

Explanation

A palanquin is a covered vehicle without wheels that requires at least four strong people to carry it. Long ago, queens in India were commonly carried around everywhere on palanquins. Another name for a palanquin is a litter. The palanquins that ancient Indian and Chinese royalty used for long trips were often large enough for sleeping and dining in, and were carried by dozens of people. The English palanquin was adopted from the Portuguese palanquim, which in turn can be traced back to the Sanskrit palyanka, meaning "bed or couch."

Example Sentences

Palanquins were made sharp at each End, to cut the Air; the warmest Mantles and Hoods were made for the Bearers, and the Projector's and my Palanquin were close, and lined with Down.

From A Voyage to Cacklogallinia With a Description of the Religion, Policy, Customs and Manners of That Country by Brunt, Captain Samuel

He was in a sort of Palanquin, covered with fine Cloth, and powdered with silver Stars in Circles, supported by four Cacklogallinians adorn'd with silver Chains.

From A Voyage to Cacklogallinia With a Description of the Religion, Policy, Customs and Manners of That Country by Brunt, Captain Samuel

Warble's little electric Palanquin rolled through the arch of Constantine and she ascended the dazzling flight of marble steps to the entrance patio.

From Ptomaine Street by Wells, Carolyn

We satisfied our craving Appetites with the Fruit we gather'd, and then getting into my Palanquin, Volatilio leading the Way, we went in Search of the Inhabitants.

From A Voyage to Cacklogallinia With a Description of the Religion, Policy, Customs and Manners of That Country by Brunt, Captain Samuel

Palanquin after palanquin passed by, but still the crowd seemed to be waiting for something.

From Mr. Wicker's Window by Ward, Lynd

Related Words

• rickshaw
• truck
• wagon