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

These journeys stretched on for months, and Gulbadan and other royal women would camp in tents, travel in palanquins and on horseback across deserted mountainous terrain, braving enemies, thieves and the elements.

From BBC

The slim figure was carried by four bearers on a palanquin, while the company’s actors animated its arms and billowing skirts from the sides.

From New York Times

The lack of roads often forces villagers to resort to makeshift palanquins to transport the very sick.

From Seattle Times

During the dozen and a half times each year they do go out, for rituals or during Nepali Hindus’ festival season, they must be carried, either in a palanquin or in someone’s arms.

From New York Times

Towards the other end of the painting, his cavalry is attacking Company forces on both sides as they form a square around an injured Bailie, who is in a palanquin.

From BBC

Related Words

• rickshaw
• truck
• wagon