sedan chair

American  

noun

1. an enclosed vehicle for one person, borne on poles by two bearers and common during the 17th and 18th centuries.

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sedan chair British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: sedan.  a closed chair for one passenger, carried on poles by two bearers. It was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries

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Etymology

Origin of sedan chair

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

The Grand Tour, meanwhile, has spent the past two-and-a-bit years bulldozing its way across continents, proudly racking up air miles and hoisting its hosts aloft like minor royalty in a sedan chair.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2019

The dedication ceremony featured a dance number from “Cats,” during which Ms. Lynne was carried onstage aboard a feather-adorned sedan chair.

From Washington Post • Jul. 3, 2018

I recommend a sedan chair or a palanquin, depending on income level.

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2018

You can imagine him on an inspection tour, peering out through the silk curtains of his sedan chair at the stallholders and hawkers.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2012

“When I stepped out of my sedan chair, the villagers said, ‘Ahhh,’ at my good shoes and my long gown.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston