pali

¹

[ pah-lee ]

noun

1. (in Hawaii) a steep slope or cliff.

Pali

²

[ pah-lee ]

noun

1. the Prakrit language of the Buddhist scriptures.

Pali

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

noun

1. an ancient language of India derived from Sanskrit; the language of the Buddhist scriptures

Word History and Origins

Origin of pali¹

From Hawaiian

Origin of pali²

1685–95; short for Sanskrit pāli-bhāsa language of the canonical texts, equivalent to pāli line, row, canon + bhāsa language

Word History and Origins

Origin of pali¹

C19: from Sanskrit pāli-bhāsa, from pāli canon + bhāsa language, of Dravidian origin

Example Sentences

All the forms of Buddhism in the transgangetic peninsula are embodied in Pali writings.

From Project Gutenberg

It is written; and embodies a copious, but worthless literature, its alphabet being derived from that of the Pali language.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Pali shrieked; it was the one imposing element that defied stillness.

From Project Gutenberg

As he turned the corner of his palace he had to pass the place where Madame Szent-Pali's house had stood.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pali expression kalyamo dhamma is here translated "glorious doctrine."

From Project Gutenberg