punkah

American  

[puhng-kuh] / ˈpʌŋ kə /

Or punka

noun

1. (especially in India) a fan, especially a large, swinging, screenlike fan hung from the ceiling and moved by a servant or by machinery.

---

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, used on, or working a punkah.

   punkah ropes.

Etymology

Origin of punkah

First recorded in 1615–25, punkah is from the Hindi word paṅkhā

Example Sentences

Vera turns to Punkah Boy, who is wide awake and listening, and makes a sign to him.

From Carlyon Sahib by Murray, Gilbert

"Just listen to this line," said Clovis; "it would make the reputation of any ordinary poet:                  'and overhead The pendulum-patient Punkah, parent of stillborn breeze.'"

From The Chronicles of Clovis by Saki

Enter Punkah Boy, and sits in corner r., working punkah.

From Carlyon Sahib by Murray, Gilbert