palanquin

or pal·an·keen

[ pal-uhn-keen ]

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.

palanquin

/ ˌpælənˈkiːn /

noun

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

Other Words From

• palan·quiner palan·keener noun
• palan·quining·ly palan·keening·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of palanquin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of palanquin¹

C16: from Portuguese palanquim, from Prakrit pallanka, from Sanskrit paryanka couch

Example Sentences

I was overpowered by feelings of the most disagreeable kind the first time I used a palanquin.

From Project Gutenberg

A handsomely ornamented boat awaited us at the bank of the river, and on the other side a palanquin.

From Project Gutenberg

For a palanquin, it is necessary to engage eight bearers, besides several for the luggage.

From Project Gutenberg

After a while she grew nervous, for she was all alone, and put her head out of the palanquin and looked about her.

From Project Gutenberg

Doa Laura had stepped into her palanquin, which was immediately closed upon her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rickshaw
• truck
• wagon