pachisi

[ puh-chee-zee, pah- ]

noun

1. a board game, originated in ancient India, in which four players advance four pieces each along a route on a cross-shaped board toward a center square by throws of cowrie shells or dice.
2. a modern version of this game.

pachisi

/ pɑː-; pəˈtʃiːzɪ /

noun

1. an Indian game somewhat resembling backgammon, played on a cruciform board using six cowries as dice

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachisi¹

1790–1800; < Hindi pacīsī, adj. derivative of pacīs twenty-five

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachisi¹

C18: from Hindi pacīsī, from pacīs twenty-five (the highest score possible in one throw)